Drake’s latest artistic statement isn’t just skin deep. The rap icon’s decision to cover up his LeBron James tattoo with rising NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s jersey number speaks volumes about shifting loyalties in the entertainment world — and perhaps signals a changing of the guard in professional basketball.
The dramatic transformation caught everyone’s attention during Drake’s electric set at Wireless Festival 2025. Sharp-eyed fans couldn’t help but notice something different about the rapper’s left bicep, where James’ high school jersey number once resided. Gone was the familiar St. Vincent-St. Mary’s No. 23, replaced by Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder No. 2 — a move that’s sent shockwaves through both music and sports circles.
Let’s be real — this isn’t just about ink and skin. The timing feels particularly pointed, coming right after Gilgeous-Alexander’s absolutely monster season with Oklahoma City. The Canadian-born phenomenon pulled off something we haven’t seen since Jordan’s heyday: snagging the regular season MVP, Finals MVP, and scoring title all in one breathtaking run.
The whole saga gets messier when you dig into Drake and LeBron’s complicated history. “Remember we traded watches, I gave you the Arabic dial, and you gave me the numbered edition,” Drake mused in his January freestyle “Fighting Irish” — a bittersweet reminder of better days. But things went south after James showed up at Kendrick Lamar’s “Pop Out” event last Juneteenth, a move that clearly struck a nerve.
Drake didn’t exactly keep quiet about it. His track “What Did I Miss?” throws some not-so-subtle shade: “I saw bro at the Pop Out with them but been d–k riding gang since Headlines.” Ouch.
The choice of Gilgeous-Alexander feels particularly calculated. Here’s a fellow Canadian who just locked down an eye-watering $285 million extension with the Thunder — and oh yeah, just led them to their first NBA Championship over Indiana. Talk about perfect timing.
Meanwhile, Drake’s keeping busy. He’s gearing up for a European tour with PartyNextDoor, promoting their collab album “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U.” There’s also buzz about his solo project “Iceman” dropping sometime this year, though the release date remains anyone’s guess.
This tattoo drama? Just another chapter in Drake’s ongoing story of using body art to chronicle his relationships and allegiances. But there’s something different this time — something that feels bigger than just another celebrity feud. Maybe it’s about watching the torch pass from one generation to the next, both in music and on the hardwood.
In an industry where loyalty often seems as permanent as temporary tattoos, Drake’s latest modification might just be the perfect metaphor for how quickly the tables can turn. The king is dead, long live the king — or in this case, long live the Thunder’s new reign.
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