Toronto rapper Drake has had a long history of beef with other celebrities, with athletes included. In the wake of his controversy with Kendrick Lamar, he has apparently lost his friendship with LeBron James, as evidenced by the changes he made to the tattoo on his left arm that once depicted the NBA’s all-time scoring leader.
Drake Seemingly Alters Tattoo Of LeBron James
During the spring of 2024, Drake and Kendrick Lamar went back and forth with a rap beef heard around the world. Careers were altered, for better or worse, and sides were chosen when it came to celebrities and which rapper they would support.
Many opted to side with the Los Angeles-based Lamar over the Toronto-based Drake. Some of the notable NBA players that rode with Kendrick were guys like Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan, which was almost expected as they both hail from Southern California.
Drake covered up his LeBron tattoo for an SGA tattoo pic.twitter.com/bK7KBISd0s
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 12, 2025
But perhaps the most notable basketball player to draw a line in the sand was LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers and NBA legend was somewhat vocal in his support of Lamar, which apparently rubbed Drake the wrong way. So much so, in fact, that the rapper had a tattoo that paid homage to James altered.
During a recent concert, Drake was photographed in sleeveless garb, which showed the ink on his left bicep. Where there was once a St. Vincent St. Mary’s no. 23 jersey (James’ high school alma mater), a change has been made. The text now reads “Thunder” with an accompanying no.2, which suggests that it is NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who Drake is now paying homage to with his tattoo choices.
Drake disses LeBron
"How I go from 6 to 23 but not Lebron" 🫣
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 12, 2025
As if the tattoo change wasn’t enough, Drake seemingly dissed James during his set at the Wireless Festival in the UK. While performing the song ‘Nonstop’, the rapper altered lyrics in order to throw shade at the basketball player that he once considered a good friend.
