Raptors to retire Kyle Lowry's number vs. 76ers, schedule a full weekend for the 'Greatest Raptor of All Time'

Because of that, Lowry is considered the GROAT — the Greatest Raptor of All Time, for those unaware of the acronym.

And to celebrate the GROAT, the Raptors will throw a full weekend in Lowry's honor. It will culminate with Lowry's No. 7 jersey being retired and lifted into the rafters Jan. 10, when the Raptors will take on LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers , the Raptors announced Thursday.

The Raptors aren't just scheduling the game around James' new team for more attention. Lowry has familiarity with the franchise, as he spent his final three seasons in the NBA in Philadelphia .