A few years ago, Drake and LeBron James were close buddies. Now, there’s brewing rivalry that’s seeing shots being exchanged from both directions. It started with the ‘God’s Plan’ rapper taking a hit at the King. Now, there might have been a response from the Akron Hammer, albeit far more innocent than that of Drake.

James made a surprise appearance in Tyler The Creator’s new music video for ‘Stop Playing With Me’. The video featured the Lakers forward and Maverick Carter swaying to the beat. LeBron James took to Twitter to share the news with great excitement. Moreover, the title of the song aided the statement he wanted to send across.

“STOP FKN PLAYING WITH ME!!!!,” James wrote on X as he shared the music video.

With Clipse members, Pusha T and Malice, also featuring in the video, it seems to have some connection with Drake. Both of them also have a rift with the rapper, similar to LeBron James. This all started amidst the infamous war of words between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. James showing up at Lamar’s ‘Pop Out’ and singing along to his ‘Not Like Us’ fueled the friction in their relationship.

Since then, a lot has happened. Drake in particular seems to have taken the beef personally. He has unfollowed LeBron James from Instagram. Additionally, during a recent tour, he also dissed the Akron Hammer. In his song ‘What Did I Miss’, he says, “I saw bro in the Pop Out with them but been d——–g gang since ‘Headlines’”.

LeBron James, for his part, has been silent about this standoff with Drake. However, fans do see his appearance in Tyler The Creator’s new music video as a strong retort.

Is LeBron James addressing Drake?

Drake’s rift with LeBron James has amounted to the rapper making it known they aren’t boys anymore. He changed the lyrics to his song ‘Nonstop’ which originally praised James. He covered up his arm tattoo with ink for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Additionally, there has been a lot that has happened in between.

LeBron James’ appearance in Tyler The Creator’s video was just that. An appearance. However, the message behind the music had fans calling out for Drake. One fan wrote, “You can’t be this mad at Drake,” while another raised support for LeBron James saying, “F–k that Canadian ! Lmaooo,”. To be clear, there was nothing of such element in the music video itself.

Tyler The Creator drew inspiration from wanting to create a song that fights against public shame. “This album was not made for sitting still, dancing driving running any type of movement is recommended to maybe understand the spirit of it. Only at at full volume,” he wrote about his new album.

But for fans, that was not the case when it came to LeBron James. To them, it was clear. The message to Drake was ‘Stop playing with me’. More comments flooded James’ post, even criticizing him for switching sides. “You got exiled from OVO so this is all you got loser. Houston whoopin that lakers this season. Stamp it,” one loaded comment read. Some also wanted peace. “Squash beef with Drake now,” a fan wrote.

LeBron James’ appearance has created chaos. What’s the exact purpose? Could have just been as innocent as accepting Tyler The Creator’s invitation. But as long as there are two sides, every move will be termed as calculated. And well, it could be.

What do you think about James’ appearance and the song? Let us know your views in the comments below.