The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday that they will retire Kyle Lowry’s No. 7 jersey during their Jan. 10 matchup against LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers. He’ll become just the second player in franchise history to receive the honor, joining Vince Carter.
Lowry spent the final two-plus seasons of his 20-year NBA career in Philadelphia, making the showdown an especially meaningful setting for his jersey retirement and an occasion that quickly caught the NBA world’s attention.
Kyle Lowry Earns Ultimate Raptors Honor, Sparking Passionate NBA Fan Reactions
Lowry spent nine seasons with the Raptors and left behind a résumé that puts him comfortably among the franchise’s greatest players. He officially wrapped up his career in Toronto after signing a one-day contract on July 7 this year, a small but meaningful nod to the No. 7 he wore for so long.
The connections to Philadelphia are significant. Lowry shared the court with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey during his final two-and-a-half seasons, while Nick Nurse is now on the 76ers’ bench. Nurse, of course, guided Lowry and the Raptors to the franchise’s first and only championship to date in 2019.
The Toronto Raptors are retiring Kyle Lowry’s jersey on January 10 vs. Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/0kk2of69fp
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 27, 2026
As expected, the news received plenty of attention from NBA observers.
“Greatest Raptor of All Time getting the honor he deserves! Well earned, Kyle,” an NBA supporter wrote.
Greatest Raptor of All Time getting the honor he deserves! Well earned Kyle.
— Asian Phoebe (@itsrealfibi) August 27, 2026
“Canadian Goat,” a Toronto sports observer added.
Then there’s James.
James and Lowry crossed paths multiple times during Toronto’s best years, and not all of those memories are particularly pleasant for Raptors fans. James’ Cleveland Cavaliers knocked Toronto out of the playoffs in three straight years (2016-2018), adding a little extra spice to his presence on a night dedicated to Lowry.
“LeBron watching the Kyle Lowry tribute video knowing most of the highlights end with him eliminating the Raptors,” Onyx Odds posted.
LeBron watching the Kyle Lowry tribute video knowing most of the highlights end with him eliminating the Raptors pic.twitter.com/GnW4KvHpcP
— Onyx Odds (@OnyxOdds) August 27, 2026
“How considerate of Raptors organization to make sure Lowry retires in front of his father, LeBron Raymone James Sr,” a self-proclaimed basketball junkie remarked.
How considerate of Raptors organization to make sure Lowry retires in front of his father, LeBron Raymone James Sr.
— JBond (@jbondwagon) August 27, 2026
“Retiring Lowry’s jersey just for LeBron to come in and ruin the night,” another basketball supporter jumped on the same joke.
There’s a chance Lowry could have another familiar face alongside him, too. DeMar DeRozan, his longtime Raptors teammate, now plays for the Denver Nuggets. Denver is scheduled to play in Cleveland before having a day off, potentially giving DeRozan enough room in his schedule to make the trip to Toronto.
Raptors fans are already having fun with the possibility.
“Going to be an oppy night for Drake with LeBron and DeMar there,” a Scottie Barnes supporter tweeted.
Going to be an oppy night for Drake with LeBron and Demar thereðŸ˜
— scottie’s guy (@Cryptodemigod17) August 27, 2026
Beneath all the jokes, though, is a résumé that speaks for itself. Lowry is the Raptors’ all-time leader in assists (4,277), steals (873), 3-point field goals (1,518), 3-point attempts (4,031), triple-doubles (16), and win shares (74.5). He ranks second in games played (601), minutes (20,813) and points (10,540), and fourth in field goals made (3,376).
For Toronto, Lowry’s legacy goes well beyond those numbers. He was there through the frustrating years, helped turn the Raptors into a legitimate contender, and finally got the championship that had eluded the franchise.
Now, No. 7 is headed to the rafters, giving Toronto a chance to celebrate the player who became synonymous with its rise to the top.
