When news broke about DeMar DeRozan's exit from the Toronto Raptors, there was also much talk about his relationship with backcourt partner Kyle Lowry. These two shared plenty of light moments in front of the camera, but behind the scenes, not everything was all giddy for Lowry and DeRozan.

According to Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star, a quick look back at their relationship over the years reveals the tough times they've gone through, especially during the playoffs. To recall, the Raptors were swept in the Eastern Conference Finals by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017 and 2018.

A little more than a year ago, after the Raptors were ousted by the Cavaliers in the 2017 playoffs, the duo’s connection was as frayed as it’s ever been. DeRozan expressed displeasure that Lowry sat out the final two games of the sweep, essentially calling into question the severity of the point guard’s ankle injury. Lowry apparently didn’t appreciate the insinuation. There were suggestions within the organization that something wasn’t right in the locker room.

Come 2018, due to DeRozan's defensive and offensive struggles, he was benched in the fourth quarter of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Lowry was critical of DeRozan's ineptitude. News about their conflict was kept relatively mum. Or maybe it was overshadowed by the news concerning other teams.

Be as it may, the DeRozan-Lowry duo proved good and entertaining during its peak. It didn't breed as much success as people expected. But in the years to come, people will view the dynamic duo they formed with the Raptors with respect.