DeMar DeRozan Reveals Truth About Relationship With Drake and Kendrick Lamar

Former Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan opened up about Drake and Kendrick

Feb 4, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Canadian rapper, songwriter, and actor Drake talks to Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the fourth quarter in a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Air Canada Centre.The Brooklyn Nets won 109-93. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports / Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Raptors legend DeMar DeRozan had a relationship with Canadian rapper Drake during his nine-year run with the organization. Drake has served as an ambassador for the Raptors, often seen court-side and leading different watch parties for fans.

As the face of the Raptors for so many years, DeRozan had a relationship with Drake, which is why some were surprised to see him in Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" video. There has of course been an ongoing rap beef between Drake and Kendrick, with "Not Like Us" being the diss track that ended it in the eyes of many.

DeMar DeRozan was in Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” music video 🎥

No matter what, when it comes to Drake, he’ll forever have a friend in me and loyalty out of me. He cared and was there for me when everything was going crazy — DeMar in 2021 👀 pic.twitter.com/UMyCZduXZm

— DailyRapFacts (@DailyRapFacts) July 5, 2024

DeRozan's old comments about his loyalty to Drake have resurfaced amid his inclusion in the "Not Like Us" video, but what many have not realized, is that DeRozan grew up around Kendrick in Los Angeles. Addressing this in a recent interview with Fox40 News, DeRozan explained this dynamic.

"Love Drake," DeRozan said. "We always can play him. Kendrick has been a friend of mine, damn near family. For a long time, for a while. We're from the same city, grew up damn near in the same neighborhood. So it's always been there... That's basically family."

Asked DeMar DeRozan about his appearance in Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" video and if that signaled the end of playing Drake inside Golden 1 Center. pic.twitter.com/0cRtBImfQm

— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) July 9, 2024

While DeRozan spent nearly a decade in Toronto, he is from Los Angeles, which is where the connection with Kendrick stems from. Recently traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Sacramento Kings, DeRozan is back in California.

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