Trash-talk: A Toronto Raptors gossip column

Kyle Lowry: They see me trollin’, they hatin’, patrollin’ and they tryin’ to catch me ridin’ dirty.

It’s been a long and arduous offseason. We’ve gone through the five stages of grief with the departure of Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green and we’ve experienced pure elation upon winning the first championship.

The new season is upon us now and after parading the rings around in front of the newly minted New Orleans Pelicans (sans Zion Williamson, sadly), the Raptors were able to celebrate the ceremony with a fresh victory.

Yet, the Raptors players don’t seem to have the same low expectations as some pessimistic fans do. In fact, after Lowry was asked what he was looking forward to getting out of this season, he responded kindly: “Um, another championship.”

While it surely seems farfetched, fortune favors the bold–and that 1-year, $31 million extension certainly helps his confidence.

But, Lowry wasn’t done playing with us.

In an interview with TSN’s Kate Beirness, she asks about Kawhi leaving to the L.A. Clippers which Lowry quickly interrupts with “Kawhi left?!” and a good, hearty chuckle.

Obviously, Lowry is playing with the question, of course, but he’s also probably tired of being asked that same question over-and-over again.

Imagine if you just accomplished the highest achievement possible in your profession. You’d be ecstatic, maybe dumbfounded, and certainly overwhelmed with joy. Now imagine it’s the next day on the job and instead of getting words of encouragement or thanks or congratulations you get: “Hey, did you hear Bob left the squad? What do you think about that? How are you going to deal with Bob out of the picture?”

For a brief moment, you might think to yourself, “Bob? BOB?! After all this hard work I just achieved and you’re gonna ask me about freakin’ BOB?!?”

At least, that’s how most of us would react to the question. That aside, kudos to Lowry for taking on all these Kawhi questions throughout the offseason. I’m sure, they won’t subside — especially if the Toronto Raptors start off poorly.

Still, it is increasingly apparent that Lowry is on cloud nine, right now. His demeanor and collective “I don’t care what you think” attitude are on an incredible display. And, you know what? The man certainly deserves it.

So, troll on Lowry, we’ll be here for you all season.