In a candid conversation with Speedy Morman on a new episode of 360 With Speedy, NBA legend LeBron James opened up about the current state of his friendship with longtime associate and rap star Drake.
Their relationship, once viewed as one of mutual admiration and brotherhood, appears to be on pause following tensions sparked during Drake’s highly publicized rap feud with Kendrick Lamar in 2024.
During the interview, Morman directly asked LeBron about where things now stand between the two icons. Staying measured, James responded with a tone of respect and emotional maturity.
“Always,” LeBron said of his affinity toward Drake. “Always wish him the best, obviously. Different places right now currently. He’s doing his thing, I’m doing mine but it’s always love, for sure.”
LeBron and Drake’s bond stretches back nearly two decades, beginning in the late 2000s. Drake notably recorded the star-studded anthem “Forever” for the More Than a Game documentary, which chronicled LeBron’s high school years.
Over the years, their friendship seemed to deepen, with Drake even getting a tattoo of LeBron on his arm—an unusually bold move, even by celebrity friendship standards.
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 18: Drake and LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers talk after the NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and the Los Angeles Lakers at Scotiabank Arena on March 18, 2022 in Toronto, Canada (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
However, in 2024, things took a turn. LeBron was captured vibing to Kendrick Lamar’s GNX tracks “Not Like Us,” “tv off,” and “man at the garden”—the former of which included scathing shots at Drake.
The internet went into a frenzy after videos emerged of LeBron rapping along and dancing, seemingly co-signing Lamar’s takedown of his friend.
Drake didn’t take the apparent betrayal lightly. He responded through music, sending lyrical jabs at LeBron in his track “Fighting Irish Freestyle,” where he alluded to LeBron’s perceived lack of loyalty.
Rapper Drake smiles at LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Toronto Raptors during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 1, 2018 in Toronto, Canada.
Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images
Shortly after, fans noticed that Drake had covered up his tattoo of LeBron with new ink honoring Oklahoma City Thunder star and fellow Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Though the two megastars may now be on different paths, LeBron’s diplomatic and graceful tone suggests the door isn’t completely closed. Whether time will heal the rift remains to be seen, but for now, the era of LeBron and Drake as tight-knit brothers seems to be behind them
Watch LeBron James speak on his relationship with Drake below.
