LeBron James Speaks On Drake Amid Kendrick Lamar Feud

LeBron James is finally addressing the rumors about his friendship with Drake. In a recent interview with Complex, the Los Angeles Lakers star spoke carefully about where things stand between him and the Toronto rapper, choosing to keep his response positive. James made it clear that he still respects Drake, even if their bond isn’t as close as it once was. “Always wish him the best. Obviously, different places right now. He’s doing his thing. I’m doing mine. But, it’s always love for sure,” he said. He did not go deeper into what may have caused the distance between them.

The talk of tension first began in 2024, when James showed up at Kendrick Lamar’s Pop Out concert in Los Angeles. The show came in the middle of Lamar’s heated battle with Drake, following the release of diss records like “Euphoria” and “Not Like Us.” Fans quickly noticed James’ attendance and began to speculate that it signaled a break in his longtime friendship with Drake.

Months after the concert, Drake released his “Fighting Irish Freestyle,” a move that many interpreted as a subtle swipe at James’ past. James played for St. Vincent–St. Mary in Akron, a team famously nicknamed the Fighting Irish. More fuel was added recently when Drake dropped his single “What Did I Miss?” with the lyric: “I saw bro went to Pop Out with them, but been d*ck riding gang since ‘Headlines.’” The line appeared to reference James’ support of Kendrick during the feud.

Despite these apparent shots, neither side has given a clear explanation about what caused the rift. Drake has remained focused on his upcoming ninth studio album Iceman, which includes tracks like “Which One” with Central Cee and “Dog House” with Yeat and Julia Wolf. The album still has no official release date.