DeMar DeRozan siding with Kendrick Lamar instead of Drake in the rappers’ beef might be a problem in a Toronto Raptors homecoming.
DeRozan is a Raptors legend who averaged 19.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists over nine seasons with the franchise. However, trading him for Kawhi Leonard is what brought the franchise a championship.
With Leonard back in Toronto, and DeRozan on the market after getting waived by the Sacramento Kings, a reunion is being discussed, even though some notable fans might not like it.
Drake’s friend sends a clear message on DeMar DeRozan’s return to Toronto
Canadian rapper Preme, a close friend and touring partner of Drake, sarcastically wondered if no LA teams want to sign DeRozan after seeing fans speculate on his return to the Raptors.
“No LA teams want him?”
DeRozan aligned himself with Lamar over Drake in their high-profile 2024 feud because of his shared hometown ties with Lamar, which is why Preme’s dig names the LA-based teams in his remark.
Drake is an ambassador for the Raptors, and their most high-profile fan, so bad ties with him could have legitimate consequences for DeRozan potentially returning to the franchise.
Drake dedicated multiple lines on his 2025 song ‘National Treasure’ to dismissing DeRozan’s contributions to the Raptors and how helping them get Leonard was his biggest contribution.
No matter how Drake feels, the basketball-related reasons could win out in this debate.
DeMar DeRozan has legendary status with the Toronto Raptors
Even though DeRozan didn’t win a championship, his emergence ended the franchise’s 15-year streak without a Playoff win in 2016.
He and Kyle Lowry made the Raptors the second-best team in the East from 2016 to 2018, but losses to LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers each season ensured the Raptors could never win a title.
DeRozan and LeBron left the East in the same season, with that season also leading to the Raptors finally overcoming the title hump with Leonard after their biggest foe had joined the Lakers.
Leonard might have been on the court to win the title, but DeRozan’s contributions to building that core and his relationship with the fans have cemented his status as a franchise legend.
DeRozan averaged 18.4 points last season with the Kings, but hasn’t played in the Playoffs since 2021.
With Leonard on the team, DeRozan could rejoin and have another chance to deliver a title while cementing a potential future jersey retirement with the franchise as well.
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