It has been a rough stretch for hip-hop artist Drake recently. After being publicly embarrassed at the hands of Kendrick Lamar during the Super Bowl 59 halftime show, his issues have now reached another professional sports league.
The Canadian superstar has always supported his hometown Toronto Raptors of the NBA, serving as the franchise’s global ambassador. However, Drake’s quarrel with Lamar has seeped into his friendship with DeMar DeRozan, one of the greatest players in Raptors history. Their once-friendly relationship seems to have soured since DeRozan appeared in Lamar’s “Not Like Us” music video.
DeMar DeRozan, Drake Have No Love Lost After Kendrick Lamar Beef
During a recent concert, Drake got ahold of a DeRozan jersey from someone in the crowd. At that moment, he made his beef with the ex-Raptor known, spiking it to the ground without hesitation.
Drake throws away DeMar DeRozan’s raptors jersey pic.twitter.com/ZddSJpyFW2
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) February 17, 2025
While he was a longtime friend of Drake’s, DeRozan turned his back on him when he sided with the fellow California native in their beef. He and Lamar were born and raised in the Compton area. To make matters worse, DeRozan danced onstage at Lamar’s “Pop Out” concert in June.
Drake quickly took notice of his actions and acknowledged his beef during a Raptors broadcast in November against the Kings. He proclaimed that if the team ever put DeRozan’s jersey in the rafters of Scotiabank Arena, he would “go up there and pull it down [himself].”
"If you ever put a DeRozan banner up ill go up there and pull it down myself….shout out to Kyle". Drake, salty at DeMar DeRozan who was in the Not Like Us video with Kendrick Lamar. Damn. pic.twitter.com/KUN3ViL9E9
— Faizal Khamisa (@FaizalKhamisa) November 3, 2024
Despite the friction between them, it is difficult to disregard DeRozan’s accomplishments in Toronto. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in several statistical categories, including points (13,296) and games played (675).
DeRozan quickly shot back in his postgame interview, telling the rapper he would have to climb a long way to pull down his retired jersey.
DeMar DeRozan says Drake “will have a long way to climb” if he’s going to take down his banner one day pic.twitter.com/FYcn04OLPl
— 𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞 (@AaronBenRose) November 3, 2024
Drake was clearly disgusted with DeRozan at the time in November, giving him the cold shoulder throughout the contest. He was watching him courtside with Chubbs, his personal bodyguard.
Drake and OvO Lieutenant Chubbs Mean mugging Demar Derozan the whole game. pic.twitter.com/HTPUYOEtQh
— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) November 3, 2024
Across a nine-year stint in Toronto, DeRozan averaged 19.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists with the Raptors, cementing himself as one of Canada’s greatest athletes. He made four All-Star teams and earned two All-NBA nods during that span. DeRozan is currently having a solid season in his first campaign with the Sacramento Kings after previous stops with the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls.
The duo filmed a memorable skit in 2017 alongside well-known actor Will Ferrell. It feels much different watching that video now knowing there is serious tension between them.
DeRozan’s allegiance to Drake’s rival may prove to be unforgivable in the rapper’s eyes. One thing for certain is that when the Raptors eventually retire DeRozan’s number, Drake will not be celebrating alongside him.
