Kyle Lowry was a huge part of leading the Toronto Raptors to a championship last season. It was a grueling season and a tough series against the Golden State Warriors, but the team was able to get the job done. Unfortunately, they are not considered to be contenders to repeat as champs this season.

Following an impressive run to a title, Kawhi Leonard made a tough decision to leave Toronto to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency. It was a brutal turn of events, but at least the Raptors got a ring while they had the window. Now, Lowry and the rest of the Raptors will be playing the underdog role once again.

Last season with the Raptors, Lowry put together a solid all-around year. He ended up averaging just 14.2 points per game, but he put up 8.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals as well. Lowry ended up shooting 41.1 percent from the floor overall and knocked down 34.7 percent of his three-point attempts.

Looking ahead to this season, Lowry will be asked to handle a much larger role. His scoring will need to rise if the Raptors want any chance at contending in the Eastern Conference.

All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at three numbers that Lowry should be targeting this year.

3. 20 Points Per Game

Obviously, the Raptors are going to need Lowry to become a lethal scorer once again. Pascal Siakam may be able to handle the No. 1 scoring option role if he takes the leap expected from him, but he is going to need a legitimate No. 2 behind him. That scorer will have to be Lowry.

Back in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, Lowry averaged 21.2 and 22.4 points per game. He is more than capable of putting up big offensive numbers. Toronto will need to see him return to those days this year.

2. At Least 8.5 Assists Per Game

While the Raptors need to see a rise in scoring from Lowry, they need him to keep up the pace from a playmaking perspective. He averaged 8.7 assists per game last season and has to keep that number at around 8.5 this year. Toronto cannot afford to lose any playmaking that he brings to the court.

Lowry will need to create for his teammates and help make them better around him. If he can average 8.5 assist, the Raptors' offense will still be tough for opposing defenses to stop.

1. 38% from the Three-Point Line

Finally, the Raptors are going to need an improved season from Lowry from a perimeter shooting perspective. He will need to open up the court and stretch defenses. Spacing will be everything for this team without Leonard's ability to create and knock down any shot that he wants.

Lowry should be looking to connect on at least 38 percent of his three-point attempts. He shot the three at just 34.7 percent last season, which isn't going to get the job done. If Toronto wants to make a run once again this season, they need to be a lethal three-point shooting team.