Drake Covers Up LeBron James Tattoo with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Jersey: What It Really Means
In a move that has sparked widespread conversation across both the sports and entertainment worlds, Drake has covered up his well-known tattoo of NBA superstar LeBron James with the jersey of Canadian basketball star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This unexpected decision comes after months of subtle tension and shifting allegiances—and fans are trying to decode the message behind the ink.
Drake’s original tattoo of LeBron, inked several years ago, featured James in his iconic St. Vincent–St. Mary high school jersey. It was seen as a tribute to their close friendship and mutual respect. Over the years, Drake and LeBron were often seen supporting each other publicly—from courtside appearances to collaborations on LeBron’s show The Shop and references in Drake’s music. However, things have recently taken a turn.
The shift seems to stem from the fallout of Drake’s highly publicized rap feud with Kendrick Lamar in 2024. When LeBron attended Kendrick’s “Pop Out” concert on Juneteenth—a moment fans interpreted as a sign of support for Kendrick—it reportedly didn’t sit well with Drake. In the months following that appearance, Drake unfollowed LeBron and other mutual friends on social media, fueling rumors of a rift between the two.
The tattoo cover-up, revealed during Drake’s performance at London’s Wireless Festival in July 2025, sent fans into a frenzy. What had once been a symbol of camaraderie was now replaced with the jersey of another NBA player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. A rising star from Toronto, Shai had just come off an MVP season and led the Oklahoma City Thunder to an NBA Finals victory. His presence in Drake’s latest music video and onstage appearances had already hinted at a growing bond between the two.
For many fans, the switch felt like a declaration. Drake was not just covering up a tattoo—he was rewriting a personal narrative. Choosing to highlight Shai, a fellow Canadian and arguably the face of the new generation of basketball talent, shows Drake aligning himself with national pride and a rising superstar who represents the future, rather than the past.
Reactions to the tattoo change have been mixed. Some fans praised Drake for celebrating a Canadian success story and felt the decision was symbolic of loyalty to his roots. Others criticized the move, calling it petty or performative. Many questioned the optics of replacing one man’s image on his body with another’s, turning what some consider a personal symbol into a public statement.
Still, Drake has remained silent about the tattoo and what it means, leaving fans and critics alike to speculate. Is it a calculated PR move? A personal jab at LeBron? Or simply a shift in loyalty toward a fellow Canadian at the peak of his career?
Regardless of the intent, one thing is clear: Drake’s new tattoo isn’t just about basketball. It’s about identity, relationships, and the narratives celebrities construct through the choices they make—on their bodies, in their music, and in the alliances they keep or let go.
