The Sacramento Kings demonstrated their unwavering support for star player DeMar DeRozan this week, clapping back at rapper Drake on social media after he disrespected the former Raptors great during a concert.
In a viral moment from Drake’s show in Sydney, Australia, the Canadian artist was thrown a vintage DeRozan Raptors jersey on stage. After briefly uncrumpling it to see the name and number, Drake proceeded to spike the jersey off the stage in a clear jab at his former friend.
The Kings, DeRozan’s current team, wasted no time in editing the clip to show a Kings version of DeRozan’s jersey hitting a happy fan in the crowd. They shared the altered video on Twitter, accompanied by the caption: “the 916 loves Deebo 💜🤣”, emphasizing Sacramento’s 916 area code over Drake’s hometown of Toronto.
DeRozan and Drake’s Complicated History
DeMar DeRozan was a franchise icon during his nine seasons with the Toronto Raptors, forming a close bond with the team’s global ambassador, Drake. The duo, along with Kyle Lowry, even graced a 2016 cover of Slam Magazine together under the title “6 Gods” in reference to Drake’s nickname for Toronto.
However, the relationship took a turn in 2024 amidst Drake’s heated rap beef with Compton-born artist Kendrick Lamar. DeRozan, a Compton native himself, was seen dancing on stage and later appearing in the music video for Lamar’s Grammy-winning diss track “Not Like Us”, which took direct shots at Drake.
An incensed Drake declared in November 2024 that if the Raptors retired DeRozan’s jersey, he would personally climb up and pull it down. DeRozan brushed off the silly threat, wishing Drake “good luck” with the long climb at Scotiabank Arena.
The Kings Have DeRozan’s Back
Although DeRozan has only played one season so far in Sacramento, it’s clear the Kings organization and fans consider him one of their own. By standing up for DeRozan and mocking Drake’s petty move, the Kings sent a strong message about team loyalty.
The 916 will always support our guy DeMar. If Drake wants to keep living in the past, that’s on him. DeRozan is with the Kings family now.
Anonymous Kings source
DeRozan is under contract with the Kings through 2025-26, giving him ample time to further ingratiate himself in Sacramento. Don’t be surprised if “Deebo” has his jersey hanging in the rafters at Golden 1 Center someday, with no meddling rappers in sight.
