Kawhi thanks 'amazing' Raptors fans for support during title run

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard's heroic lone season with the reigning NBA champions Toronto Raptors is still celebrated by many throughout Canada.

However, Leonard isn't so sure he'll be greeted exclusively with cheers in his return game to Toronto on Wednesday night.

"I mean, there will be some cheers but definitely I think more boos because they want to win the game," Leonard told reporters, according to TSN's Josh Lewenberg. "They're not going to be cheering for a player that's on the opposing team."

The two-time Finals MVP also thanked Raptors fans and his former teammates for their support throughout last season's historic run.

"(The fans) were amazing last year. They rolled with us through the ups and downs. We were down every series pretty much and they stuck through it with us. They brought great energy to every game and it helped us. So that's my thank you to them," Leonard said, according to Lewenberg.

New Balance, with which Leonard is signed, unveiled a billboard at Yonge-Dundas Square in downtown Toronto on Tuesday with a message that read: "Thank You Toronto."

Leonard also acknowledged his decision not to re-sign in Toronto was a challenging choice to make.

"I gave it (re-signing with the Raptors) a big consideration," Leonard said, according to Sportsnet's Michael Grange. "I took my time, I didn't hurry up and make a quick decision. I talked to the front office in deep detail. It was a hard choice to make."

Leonard's Clippers enter Wednesday's contest looking for a third consecutive victory, while the Raptors play the first of a three-game homestand following a tight road win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday.