When Kawhi Leonard approached Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry to get his 2019 championship ring, the Los Angeles Clippers star appeared to rub away tears from his eyes.

However, Lowry says that wasn't the case, per Michael Lee of The Athletic:

“I don’t think he got sentimental. I think something flew into his eye, honestly,” Lowry told The Athletic with a laugh, debunking any suggestion that the Raptors had managed to break Leonard.

As expected, Leonard got a rousing standing ovation from the Raptors fans on Wednesday. Kawhi guided the Raptors to their first-ever championship last season and won his second Finals MVP in the process. The forward left Toronto after one season to sign with the Clippers, who acquired Paul George from the Oklahoma City Thunder as well over the summer.

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Mavericks' Kyrie Irving, Mavericks' Jason Kidd both in front. Mavericks and Clippers logos in background.

Joey Mistretta ·

Clippers Kawhi Leonard with speech bubble "I'm back" with Mavericks Luka Doncic smaller in background.

Tomer Azarly ·

Paul George, James Harden and LA Clippers logo, basketball court in background

Diego Vergel de Dios ·

Leonard averaged 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists during the regular season for the Raptors. As all superstars do, Leonard took his game to another level in the playoffs. He put up 30.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game in the postseason. Toronto defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games in the NBA Finals.

Kawhi was a professional the entire season in 2018-19 and gave the Raptors and their fans something they had been missing — a championship. Leonard will always get a hero's welcome every time he returns to Toronto.