In a heartfelt display of cross-sport camaraderie, NBA veteran Kyle Lowry honored Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews during his likely final visit to the city as an active player. The gesture came just days after Matthews cemented his place in hockey history.
A Fitting Tribute from One Toronto Icon to Another
On Sunday, January 11, 2026, Kyle Lowry, the Philadelphia 76ers guard and all-time Toronto Raptors great, arrived at Scotiabank Arena wearing the jersey of Auston Matthews. This public show of support followed closely on the heels of Matthews achieving a monumental milestone: becoming the all-time goals leader for the storied Maple Leafs franchise.
Lowry, who is in his 20th NBA season and third with the 76ers, explained his wardrobe choice during a pre-game media session. The two athletes shared the spotlight in Toronto for five years, fostering a relationship built on mutual admiration.
"I Respect the Hell Out of Auston"
"I respect the hell out of Auston, we had a mutually respectful relationship and I have to pay the tribute to my city," Lowry stated. He humorously noted the size difference between basketball and hockey jerseys, saying, "I didn’t know how big those damn jerseys were but it was a good fit though."
Lowry clarified that the jersey was a gift from Matthews himself. The gesture was meant to show support not only for his fellow athlete but for the city of Toronto as a whole. "I’m a Maple Leafs guy," Lowry affirmed, highlighting his enduring connection to Toronto's sports culture despite his NBA career taking him elsewhere.
Reflecting on a Legacy in Toronto
The jersey tribute also prompted Lowry to reflect on his own profound legacy in the city. He spent nine seasons with the Raptors, a period that defined his career and brought the city its first NBA championship in 2019. He also led the team to another Eastern Conference Final appearance.
Looking to the future, Lowry reiterated his plan to sign a one-day contract with the Raptors to officially retire with the franchise. He expressed deep emotion at the prospect of having his iconic number 7 jersey retired by the team one day.
"If it does and when it does it will be a super emotional day," Lowry shared. "I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into that seven and to know that it probably will never be worn again will be pretty special. I think something that for my basketball legacy will be pretty darn cool."
A Lasting Bond with the City
Lowry's tribute to Matthews underscores the unique bond that star athletes can form with a city and with each other across different sports. His actions symbolize a passing of the torch in some ways, acknowledging Matthews' rising status as a Toronto sports legend while reaffirming his own indelible mark on the city's history.
The moment served as a powerful reminder of the community and respect that exists within Toronto's professional sports landscape, uniting fans of the Raptors and Maple Leafs in appreciation for two of their greatest modern icons.
