Drake made his stance on former Toronto Raptors player DeMar DeRozan abundantly clear on Saturday, taking a public jab at the player in what seems to be a response to DeRozan’s appearance in Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” music video. The Sacramento Kings, now DeRozan’s team, were in Toronto to face off against the Raptors, and despite DeRozan’s nearly decade-long tenure with Toronto (2009–2018), Drake gave him anything but a warm welcome.
The evening began with the Raptors celebrating a major milestone: the retirement ceremony for Vince Carter’s jersey, an honor acknowledging Carter’s iconic contribution to the team. When asked on the TSN broadcast if DeRozan’s jersey should eventually join Carter’s in the rafters, Drake didn’t hesitate to throw some serious shade.
“If you ever put up a DeRozan banner, I’ll go up there and pull it down myself,”
Drake stated, sending a clear message that DeRozan’s legacy with the Raptors is, in Drake’s eyes, unworthy of such recognition.As the game went on, Drake’s disapproval only became more evident. Every time DeRozan was within his line of sight, Drake maintained a cold, hard stare. He reportedly even hurled a few choice words DeRozan’s way, allegedly calling him a “p***y” at one point, further underlining the rift between the two.
During the post-game press conference, DeRozan was informed of Drake’s dismissive remarks about a potential jersey retirement. Unfazed, DeRozan clapped back, saying, “He gon’ have a long way to climb to take it down. Tell him good luck.” His response reflected both his confidence in his legacy and his unwillingness to be swayed by Drake’s opinions. However, beneath his calm reply, there was a hint of annoyance, suggesting that the tension between them may run deeper than Drake’s words alone.
The strain in their relationship isn’t purely a result of DeRozan playing for an opposing team. The real catalyst appears to be DeRozan’s recent cameo in Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” music video—a visual aimed at Drake, where Lamar took shots at the Toronto-based rapper. DeRozan’s presence in the video, alongside his onstage appearance during Kendrick’s Los Angeles concert in July, has likely fanned the flames of this rivalry. For Drake, these associations with Lamar might feel like a betrayal, especially from someone he once supported while they were both cornerstones of Toronto’s sports and entertainment scene.
Interestingly, DeRozan has tried to maintain a neutral position amid the ongoing tension between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. When asked about his involvement in Lamar’s video, he downplayed the situation, insisting he had no ill will toward Drake and that he still had “love” for him despite any perceived slights. For DeRozan, the appearance was seemingly about supporting another artist rather than fueling any animosity.
However, Drake seems either unaware of DeRozan’s neutral stance or simply unwilling to accept it. From his perspective, loyalty appears to be black-and-white: any association with his rival Kendrick Lamar could be viewed as taking sides. In the highly competitive music industry, especially with rap feuds often carrying significant weight, this perceived betrayal by DeRozan might feel personal to Drake. For him, a true show of loyalty would be refraining from any public involvement with someone who has openly criticized him.
This isn’t the first time Drake has clashed with former allies, but the situation with DeRozan might hit particularly hard. DeRozan’s time in Toronto and his role with the Raptors were significant, and he was a beloved figure in the city, just as Drake has been. The bond between Drake and the Raptors is well-known, and many fans have come to view him as an unofficial ambassador of the team, using his platform to support Toronto sports and elevate the city’s profile.
By indirectly choosing a side, DeRozan might have jeopardized the once-positive rapport he shared with Drake. And for DeRozan, while Drake’s disapproval may sting, he appears intent on staying focused on his own career and relationships. His response at the press conference showed a man unwilling to let external opinions derail his achievements or overshadow his contributions to Toronto’s basketball history.
As the night ended, fans were left to wonder whether these two influential figures could ever mend their fractured relationship or if DeRozan’s decision to associate with Kendrick Lamar has permanently impacted his standing with Drake. For now, Drake’s feelings are evident, and his willingness to criticize DeRozan so openly suggests the friendship may be beyond repair. Whether this feud escalates or eventually fades, it’s clear that for Drake, loyalty is paramount, and any perceived betrayal won’t go unnoticed or unaddressed.
