LeBron James Picks a Side: NBA Star Caught Vibing to Kendrick Lamar’s Drake Diss

The long-standing tension between rap heavyweights Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and J. Cole has finally boiled over this year, reigniting a feud that had simmered since Lamar’s explosive 2013 track “Control.” LeBron James, known for his love of hip-hop, made his feelings known shortly after “Control” dropped. While the beef between these artists has captivated the music world, it appears that NBA superstar LeBron James may have chosen his side years ago—perhaps without even realizing it.

Back in 2013, when Kendrick Lamar dropped “Control,” the song sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community. Lamar’s verse, in which he called out fellow rappers including Drake and J. Cole, set the stage for years of subtle jabs and competitive tracks. Although it didn’t erupt into a full-blown rap war at the time, the track laid the groundwork for the fiery diss tracks that are now making headlines.

Interestingly, LeBron James, known for his love of hip-hop, made his feelings known shortly after “Control” dropped. Taking to Twitter, LeBron expressed his admiration for Lamar’s lyrical prowess, writing, “This is real hip hop at his best! @kendricklamar boxed em into a corner. We going crazy over here people!!”

At the time, the tweet was seen as just another endorsement of a hot track by an NBA star who frequently shares his music tastes with fans. However, in light of the recent escalation in the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, some are now interpreting LeBron’s words as an early indication of where his loyalties lie.

Despite his apparent support for Lamar in 2013, LeBron James continued to enjoy music from both Kendrick Lamar and Drake over the years. He frequently shared Instagram Stories of himself vibing to tracks from both artists, and even joined Drake on stage during a performance of “Sicko Mode,” a collaboration between Drake and Travis Scott.

However, recent events suggest that LeBron may have officially picked a side in the ongoing feud. Just before the 2024 Paris Olympics, LeBron was spotted at a Kendrick Lamar concert, where he was seen enthusiastically enjoying Lamar’s performance of “Not Like Us,” a track widely believed to be a direct diss at Drake. The sight of LeBron vibing to a song that takes aim at Drake has fueled speculation that the NBA superstar has aligned himself with Lamar in this musical rivalry.

The tension between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has even spilled over into the NBA, creating an awkward dynamic among some of the league’s biggest stars. During a practice session for the USA Men’s National Basketball team ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” was played over the loudspeakers. The song, which has become a cultural phenomenon, clearly struck a nerve with Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry.

Frustrated by the constant replay of Lamar’s scathing lyrics, Curry voiced his annoyance, saying, “It’s not the only song in America,” in front of teammates Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards, Joel Embiid, and LeBron James. In response, LeBron doubled down on his support for Lamar, telling Curry that he “loved” the track and had been listening to it “all summer.”

This exchange has only added fuel to the fire, highlighting the deepening divide within NBA circles over the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake feud. While LeBron appears to be firmly in Lamar’s corner, Curry’s irritation suggests he may be more sympathetic to Drake, who has long been a fixture at NBA games and is known for his close relationships with several players.

As if the situation wasn’t already tense enough, Kendrick Lamar recently issued a pointed warning to LeBron James and Steph Curry in his track “Meet the Grahams.” In the song, Lamar advises the two NBA icons to keep their families away from Drake, alluding to the rapper’s reputation as a ladies’ man and stirring the pot even further.

Drake, who has been a ubiquitous presence courtside at NBA games, including high-stakes playoff matchups, has yet to publicly respond to Lamar’s veiled threat. However, his close proximity to stars like LeBron and Curry makes Lamar’s message all the more provocative. It’s clear that this feud is far from over, and as the lines between the NBA and the hip-hop world continue to blur, the stakes are only getting higher.

The Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake feud has transcended the world of hip-hop, seeping into the fabric of the NBA in ways that are both fascinating and troubling. LeBron James’ apparent allegiance to Lamar is more than just a personal music preference—it’s a statement that could have ripple effects throughout the league. As athletes increasingly align themselves with cultural icons, the lines between sports and entertainment continue to blur, creating new dynamics that can influence locker room chemistry, fan allegiances, and even brand partnerships.

LeBron’s choice to publicly back Kendrick Lamar, especially in light of Lamar’s direct shots at Drake, raises questions about the potential impact on his relationships with other NBA players who may not share his views. The NBA has always been a melting pot of personalities and influences, but as music and sports become more intertwined, the consequences of these cultural alignments could become more pronounced.