VanVleet, Lowry still pals even though they aren't still Raptors teammates

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Raptors all-star point guard Fred VanVleet and former Raptors all-star point guard Kyle Lowry squared off on Wednesday night, an eventual 112-104 Toronto win.

But even though it was a chance to get reacquainted in person, it’s not like the pair don’t converse frequently. Similarly to how Lowry and another Raptors legend, DeMar DeRozan, are always chatting or exchanging messages, VanVleet, once upon a time Lowry’s understudy and teammate before becoming his peer on the title-winning 2018-19 Raptors, stay in touch frequently.

That led to a funny exchange post-game between VanVleet and a reporter who asked what they talk about.

“It’s really none of your business,” VanVleet said with a sly smile, channeling the Lowry the Toronto media grew to know so well during his long tenure with Toronto.

Lowry often took joy in messing around with reporters.

VanVleet is more of a straight shooter and continued Wednesday: “But since you asked, we talk about all type of things. Life, family everything. Talk about basketball, he watches all our games, believe it or not.”

“I watch as many games of them as I can stomach, I’m a Kyle fan, I’m not really a Heat fan,” VanVleet added.

He also mentioned how Lowry still remains, in some ways, a mentor to him, though VanVleet can also share his experiences and thoughts.

“He’s helping me through, obviously, this transition of me running the show now, I always lean on him for advice, he’s always in my corner to help me and vice versa,” VanVleet said.

VanVleet returned from injury to score 23 points and added eight assists against Miami. Lowry had a strong game as well with 19 points.

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Lowry knows every trick in the book and uses that to his advantage, which can get frustrating for opponents. But VanVleet said it doesn’t bother him.

“No, it’s funny for me. There’s nothing he could do to frustrate me. It’s annoying when he tricks the refs but other than that, it’s just fun watching him do what he does. I thought he was old three years ago, to see him still kicking and making an impact and putting pressure on the defence, you could just see the greatness in him,” VanVleet said.

“I think he sensed it wasn’t going to go his way (on Wednesday) after he tried to get a call reviewed or something. Once the refs don’t let him trick them, we’re in good shape.”

Lowry told reporters afterward he still keeps a close eye on the Raptors as well.

“They’re my guys. Freddie’s literally like my little brother,” Lowry said. “I’m just happy to be part of their successes.”

Lowry indicated he knew right away VanVleet was special.

“He’s one of the most competitive players I’ve ever (seen). From day one, training camp, picking me up full-court, joining me just shooting before (games and practices).”

Lowry added that VanVleet’s story from undrafted to all-star will continue to be “one of the greatest stories in NBA history.”