If anything, the Toronto Raptors fans would never want to hear former Cavs’ players, LeBron James’ name, on a special occasion. But despite the longstanding rivalry between the two, Kevin Love still brought up the ‘LeBronto’ quip during Kyle Lowry’s jersey retirement event.
Though Love himself played a good stretch of games against the Raptors, the franchise’s relationship with LeBron was on another level.
Love joined thousands of Raptors fans at Maple Leaf Square for Kyle’s Block Party as the fans celebrated Lowry’s nine seasons in Toronto. The former Cavaliers forward was greeted with boos from the crowd, giving him the perfect opportunity to remind everyone about Cleveland’s playoff history against the Raptors.
“This is Kyle’s day, but isn’t this LeBronto? I’m just kidding… I love you guys, c’mon now,” he said.
Love and Lowry eventually became teammates in Miami, where they reached the 2023 NBA Finals together. That relationship made Love’s appearance at Lowry’s celebration fitting, even if he could not resist bringing up their old rivalry.
Lowry’s tribute weekend also featured several former Raptors teammates, including DeMar DeRozan, Fred VanVleet, Serge Ibaka, and Danny Green.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow presented Lowry with the Key to the City, while the Raptors announced that his No. 7 jersey will be retired on January 10, 2027.
Lowry eventually helped Toronto win the 2019 NBA championship, but Love made sure Cleveland’s playoff dominance remained part of the celebration.