LeBron James has finally addressed the status of his long-standing friendship with rapper Drake, revealing that the two are no longer as close as they once were. The revelation comes amid the ongoing rap feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, which has pulled in celebrities, fans, and even athletes into its orbit.
During a candid interview on 360 With Speedy, LeBron was asked directly about his relationship with Drake. His response was measured, respectful, and revealing:
“Always wish him the best, obviously. Different places right now currently. He’s doing his thing, I’m doing mine. But it’s always love, for sure.”
“Obviously, different places right now, currently. He’s doing his thing. I’m doing mine. But it’s always love for sure.”
LeBron James speaks on his relationship with Drake in the latest 360 with @SpeedyMorman. pic.twitter.com/mZM5Dex2Rv
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) September 18, 2025
The comment marked LeBron’s first public acknowledgment of the growing distance between him and the Toronto-born rapper, whose bond with the NBA icon once seemed unbreakable.
The tension reportedly began in 2024 when LeBron was spotted vibing to Kendrick Lamar’s diss tracks aimed at Drake, most notably “Not Like Us,” which became a cultural phenomenon. Videos of LeBron rapping along and dancing to the track at Lamar’s concerts went viral, leading fans to speculate that he was siding with Kendrick in the feud.
Drake didn’t take the perceived betrayal lightly. He responded with subtle lyrical jabs in his track “Fighting Irish Freestyle,” alluding to LeBron’s lack of loyalty. He later unfollowed LeBron on Instagram and, in a symbolic move, covered up his tattoo of LeBron with new ink honoring Canadian NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
LeBron and Drake’s relationship dates back nearly two decades. Drake famously recorded the anthem “Forever” for LeBron’s More Than a Game documentary, and the two often appeared together at games and events. Drake even had a tattoo of LeBron’s jersey number.
Their bond was seen as one of mutual admiration, with Drake frequently supporting LeBron’s career and LeBron returning the favor in music and media.
LeBron’s diplomatic response suggests he’s not interested in escalating the drama. But it also reflects the complexity of maintaining friendships in the public eye, especially when those relationships intersect with high-profile feuds.
Drake, for his part, has made cryptic comments about “real friends” and betrayal at recent events, seemingly referencing LeBron without naming him directly.
