Lowry happy for Kawhi, aims to stay with Raptors long term
It's been a bittersweet summer for the Toronto Raptors. After hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy for the first time in franchise history, the Raptors failed to re-sign Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, who decided to head home and join the LA Clippers.
That doesn't change All-Star Kyle Lowry's feelings about reaching the pinnacle of the basketball landscape.
"No, not at all," Lowry said at USA Basketball training camp, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "Not at all. We are champions. No matter what. (It will) never be taken away from us. Ever. Ever, ever. Ever, ever."
Though the Raptors are much less likely to repeat with Leonard gone, Lowry said he's happy for his former teammate.
"I'm happy for you," Lowry said of Leonard. "... I am happy for the guys that ... especially a guy that helped do something fantastic and something great. He's an unbelievable friend of mine and is a good guy. He made a decision to go home and he is happy with that and I am happy for him. Truly. I am genuinely happy for him. It gives him a chance to be around his family and friends. You got to respect the guy and be happy for him."
Lowry will become a free agent next summer. As he prepares to begin his eighth season in Toronto, the 33-year-old point guard admits he's interested in committing to the Raptors long term.
"I want to be there - I would love to do a long (term) extension, but we'll see what happens," said Lowry. "... We'll have that discussion when the time is right."
Lowry averaged 14.2 points and a career-best 8.7 assists in 65 games last season.