Drake mocks DeMar DeRozan’s potential Raptors jersey retirement

During the halftime ceremony of the Toronto Raptors’ game against the Sacramento Kings, rapper and Raptors’ “Global Ambassador” Drake ignited controversy by hinting he would remove DeMar DeRozan’s jersey if it were retired by the Raptors. Drake’s comment was seen by many as a continuation of his feud with Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar, after DeRozan made an appearance in Lamar’s music video for Not Like Us, a diss track aimed at Drake. DeRozan, who spent nine seasons with the Raptors and played more games for the team than any other player, has since joined the Sacramento Kings.

“If DeRozan gets his No. 10 retired by the Raptors, I’d go up there and pull it down myself,” Drake reportedly said, fueling speculation about his ongoing rivalry with Lamar. DeRozan responded confidently during his postgame press conference, saying, “He’s going to have a long way to climb to take it down. Tell him good luck.”

The relationship between Drake and DeRozan, once amicable during DeRozan’s time in Toronto, appears strained as both align with competing rap icons. However, DeRozan, who hails from Compton, maintains his loyalty to Lamar. Speaking to The Sacramento Bee in July, DeRozan stated, “Drake’s still my man, none of it changed… Two of the biggest rappers in the world went at it…That’s all it is.”

In Saturday’s overtime match, the Raptors narrowly defeated the Kings 131-128, with DeRozan leading Sacramento’s scoring with 33 points. Despite the rivalry surrounding jersey retirement and Drake’s comments, DeRozan’s solid performance highlighted his ongoing impact in the NBA.