Drake made his stance on DeMar DeRozan loud and clear on Saturday, showing his displeasure toward the former Toronto Raptors star in what seems to be payback for DeRozan’s cameo in Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” music video.
As DeRozan’s Sacramento Kings faced off against the Raptors in Toronto, the longtime Raptors fan and global ambassador Drake didn’t extend his usual warm welcome to the six-time All-Star who once represented the city from 2009 to 2018.
The evening started with a celebratory note as the Raptors held a jersey retirement ceremony for Vince Carter. But when TSN’s broadcast team asked Drake if DeRozan also deserved a spot in the Raptors’ rafters, Drake’s response was anything but friendly.
“If you ever put up a DeRozan banner, I’ll go up there and pull it down myself,” Drake quipped, taking a clear shot at his former friend.
The tension only grew as Drake kept a watchful eye on DeRozan throughout the game, reportedly throwing harsh looks and even mouthing a crude insult when the star player got close.
In the post-game press conference, DeRozan was informed of Drake’s comments about the potential banner, and he didn’t hold back, challenging, “He gon’ have a long way to climb to take it down. Tell him good luck.”
While DeRozan’s departure from the Raptors and current stint with the Kings might explain some distance, fans believe there’s more behind Drake’s sharp remarks.
Many are linking the cold treatment to DeRozan’s appearance in Kendrick Lamar’s video and his onstage cameo at the rapper’s Los Angeles show back in July. In “Not Like Us,” Kendrick seemingly threw shade at Drake, adding fuel to the fire by rapping, “I’m glad DeRoz’ came home, y’all didn’t deserve him neither.”
With fans of both stars speculating on the feud’s future, one thing is certain: Drake’s loyalty to his close circle doesn’t seem to extend to those who side with his rivals.
