BREAKING: Kyle Lowry Announces Return to Toronto Raptors for One Final Season Before Retirement
By [Your Name]
June 7, 2025 – Toronto, Canada
In a moment that is sure to bring joy, tears, and thunderous applause across Canada and the basketball world, Kyle Lowry—the beloved face of the Toronto Raptors franchise and arguably the greatest Raptor of all time—has announced his decision to return to Toronto for one final season before retiring from the game he gave his heart and soul to.
> “I’m coming home,” Lowry said in an emotional statement released through his agent and on his official social media platforms. “One more year. One more run. One last dance in the 6ix. And then I hang it up — where I belong — in a Raptors jersey.”
It’s a homecoming that fans have long hoped for. A final act in the city where Lowry became more than just a basketball player — he became a legend, a symbol of grit, heart, and unrelenting determination. As the 2025–26 NBA season approaches, the buzz around Scotiabank Arena will be electric, knowing that this chapter is about honoring a champion who forever changed the DNA of a franchise.
The Return of the King of the North
For Raptors fans, this is more than just a player returning. This is a full-circle moment for a fanbase that watched Lowry rise from being a scrappy, underrated point guard to becoming the undisputed heart and soul of Canadian basketball.
Lowry, 39, played for the Raptors from 2012 to 2021, a transformative nine-season stretch that saw the team evolve from perennial underdogs into NBA Champions. During his tenure, Lowry:
Became the franchise’s all-time leader in assists, steals, and triple-doubles
Earned six NBA All-Star selections
Played a pivotal role in delivering Toronto’s first-ever NBA Championship in 2019
Embodied the grit and resilience of the city he came to call home
The announcement of his return is already being dubbed “The Last Dance: Raptors Edition,” with fans and media alike anticipating a farewell tour worthy of the legend himself.
Never the Biggest, Never the Flashiest — But Always the Toughest
Kyle Lowry’s legacy has never been about flashy stats or highlight dunks. At 6 feet tall and 196 pounds, he was often the smallest player on the court—but he played with the biggest heart. Diving for loose balls, taking charges from players twice his size, and making the extra pass instead of chasing the spotlight—Lowry built his legend on effort, intelligence, and leadership.
Head Coach Darko Rajaković, who is entering his second full year with the Raptors, expressed his excitement at the news:
> “We’re not just getting a veteran back—we’re getting our captain, our heartbeat. Kyle knows this franchise, this city, and what it takes to win. He’s going to be a huge presence on and off the floor.”
Lowry is expected to serve as a mentor for the Raptors’ young core, including emerging stars like Scottie Barnes, Gradey Dick, and RJ Barrett. His leadership will be invaluable as the team transitions into a new era, while still paying homage to its golden years.
A Champion’s Résumé
Kyle Lowry’s accolades speak volumes, but the intangibles are what truly set him apart. Still, his career accomplishments place him firmly among the NBA’s elite:
6× NBA All-Star (2015–2020)
NBA Champion (2019)
Olympic Gold Medalist (2016, Team USA)
Franchise leader in assists (4,277+), steals (873+), and triple-doubles
All-NBA Third Team (2016)
Multiple-time NBA Teammate of the Year finalist
Lowry’s contributions on the court were vital to the Raptors’ transformation into a respected global brand. Off the court, his impact on the community, youth programs, and local charities elevated him into rarified air — a true ambassador for the sport and for Toronto.
The 2019 Championship: The Peak of Greatness
No conversation about Kyle Lowry is complete without revisiting the magic of the 2018–19 season. Alongside Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and Marc Gasol, Lowry led the Raptors to their first NBA title in franchise history, defeating the Golden State Warriors in six thrilling games.
Lowry’s Game 6 performance in the Finals — 26 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds — remains etched in the memory of fans as a masterpiece. It was a fitting crescendo to a decade of hard work, and a defining moment in Toronto sports history.
> “He set the tone every night,” said former teammate Fred VanVleet. “He made everyone better, held everyone accountable, and led with his play. That ring doesn’t happen without Kyle Lowry.”
A Hero’s Farewell: What to Expect from the 2025–26 Season
While Lowry’s minutes on the court may be limited compared to his prime, his presence will loom large in every arena. The Raptors are expected to incorporate tributes throughout the season, including:
Kyle Lowry Night at Scotiabank Arena
A potential jersey retirement ceremony following the season
Commemorative merchandise and giveaways
Special video tributes from players, coaches, and celebrities
Fans will flock from across Canada and beyond to witness Lowry’s last season. For many, it’s not just about basketball—it’s about closure, celebration, and saying thank you to a player who helped redefine an entire organization.
> “I didn’t get to say goodbye the way I wanted,” Lowry admitted. “This last season, it’s for the fans. For the city. For the country that took me in and made me family.”
An Inspiration Beyond the Game
From being overlooked early in his career to becoming an All-Star and champion, Kyle Lowry’s journey is one of perseverance and passion. He serves as a role model for undersized guards and underappreciated talents everywhere.
The impact he’s made in Toronto extends far beyond the court. Through the Lowry Love Foundation, he and his wife Ayahna have worked tirelessly to uplift families and youth in need, both in Toronto and Philadelphia.
As Raptors President Masai Ujiri said in a statement:
> “Kyle Lowry gave us everything—his heart, his hustle, his loyalty. It’s only right that he gets to end his career where it all came together. Welcome home, champ.”
The Final Word: One Last Dance in the 6ix
Toronto has long been known as a city of basketball passion, and no one embodies that passion more than Kyle Lowry. His name will forever be synonymous with Raptors greatness. His jersey will one day hang from the rafters. And his story will continue to inspire future generations of Canadian basketball stars.
Now, the city, the fans, and the team have one more season to show their appreciation—to say thank you, to cheer, to cry, and to celebrate a living legend.
The 2025–26 season won’t just be another year in Raptors history. It will be the year of Kyle Lowry.
One final season. One final shot. One final love letter to Toronto.
Let’s give him the farewell he deserves.
