Sacramento Kings veteran DeMar DeRozan received a strong show of support from team owner Vivek Ranadive amid his ongoing feud with rapper Drake. During Wednesday night’s game against the Toronto Raptors, Ranadive made a statement by wearing a shirt that read “They Not Like Us,” a direct reference to Kendrick Lamar’s hit song that took a jab at Drake earlier this summer.
The courtside appearance by Ranadive was seen as a clear message of solidarity with DeRozan, who has found himself in a public feud with the Toronto-born hip-hop star. The rift between DeRozan and Drake has been making waves in both the sports and entertainment worlds, and Ranadive’s choice of attire was anything but subtle.
The feud began to escalate during Saturday’s matchup between the Kings and Raptors, when Drake made a guest appearance as part of the commentary team. During the broadcast, Drake was asked if he thought DeRozan, who spent the first nine years of his career with the Raptors, should have his jersey retired by the team.
His response left no doubt about his feelings: “If you ever put up a DeRozan banner, I’ll go up there and pull it down myself,” Drake said, dismissing the idea of honoring DeRozan’s legacy in Toronto.
DeRozan, known for his calm demeanor, did not let the comment go unanswered. When asked for his response, DeRozan fired back confidently: “He gonna have a long way to climb to take it down.” The remark highlighted DeRozan’s refusal to be intimidated by his former friend and was a public statement that he would not back down in the face of Drake’s criticism.
RELATED: Drake Unfollows LeBron James, Diddy, Playboi Carti, and Others Amid Kendrick Lamar Feud
DeRozan and Drake were once close friends, especially during DeRozan’s time with the Raptors. Drake, who is also the Raptors’ global ambassador, was a constant courtside presence during DeRozan’s years in Toronto.
The two shared many memorable moments together, both on and off the court. However, their relationship has taken a dramatic turn, largely due to Drake’s ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar.
DeRozan and Lamar both hail from Compton, California, and share a close bond. When Lamar’s song “They Not Like Us” was released, it was clear that Drake was the target of the diss track, and DeRozan was quick to show his support for Lamar.
Over the summer, DeRozan appeared on stage alongside Kendrick Lamar during a concert performance of “Not Like Us,” a show of solidarity that did not go unnoticed. He also made an appearance in the song’s music video, further cementing his loyalty to Lamar. It’s no surprise that this support strained DeRozan’s relationship with Drake.
Vivek Ranadive’s courtside appearance wearing a shirt in support of DeRozan sent a clear message to the Raptors and to Drake himself: the Sacramento Kings stand with their star player.
Ranadive has been known for his outspoken support of his team, and this was just the latest example of his willingness to go to bat for his players, especially one as integral to the team as DeRozan.
The rivalry between DeRozan and Drake adds an extra layer of drama to the NBA season, but the Kings and Raptors will not face each other again this year, which could mean the end of the public back-and-forth between DeRozan and Drake—at least for now.
The bad blood might not dissipate anytime soon, but for the moment, it appears both sides are content to let their actions speak louder than words.
DeRozan has remained focused on leading the Kings and continuing to prove his worth on the court. Despite the drama, DeRozan is having an impressive season, and his contributions to Sacramento have helped keep the team competitive in the Western Conference.
For his part, Drake remains a significant presence in the Raptors organization and continues to use his influence both as a fan and an ambassador.
Whether or not the feud continues, one thing is clear: the lines have been drawn. DeRozan and Kendrick Lamar on one side, Drake on the other, and Vivek Ranadive standing firmly behind his star player.
It’s a rivalry that transcends sports and music, bringing together the worlds of hip-hop and the NBA in a clash of personalities and loyalties.
And while it may be some time before DeRozan and Drake are seen exchanging pleasantries again, the drama has certainly made for an interesting storyline that has kept fans captivated both on and off the court.
