Canadian rapper Drake released three studio albums on Friday morning – “Iceman,” “Habibti,” and “Maid of Honor.” The albums, containing 43 songs, have several references to NBA players, including LeBron James, Steph Curry, Michael Jordan and more.
Drake appears to reference James, who made a public appearance at Kendrick Lamar’s Pop Out concert in Los Angeles. LeBron James addressed the subject in September 2025 during a conversation on “360 with Speedy,” saying that it’s “always love” between the Canadian rapper and NBA superstar.
“Always wish him the best. Obviously [we’re in] different places right now, currently,” James said of his relationship with Drake. “He’s doing his thing, I’m doing mine, but it’s always love for sure.”
Drake’s lyrics appear to reference James on multiple tracks. Let’s take a look at all the NBA players that Drake has seemingly namedropped in his new albums.
LeBron James, Steph Curry and more NBA players referenced by Drake in new albums
LeBron James on Iceman (Make Them Remember)
“Convenient amnesia from all you ballerinas. It doesn’t alter what you said or how it made us see you. I shouldn’t even be shocked to see you in that arena. Because you always made your career off of switchin’ teams up,” Drake raps on Make Them Remember. “Please stop askin’ about what’s goin’ on with 23 and me. I’m a real nigga and he’s not, it’s in my DNA.”
The line appears to reference James’ appearance at The Pop Out concert. It also seemingly references James’ career path, going from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers. The second line directly points to his jersey number, 23.
Kawhi Leonard and DeMar DeRozan on Iceman (National Treasures)
“They must’vе heard wrong on the call. I sent ‘еm a sack ’cause I wanted you shipped to the king. When you was a part of the team. We used to be plannin’ our Mexico trip in the spring. We must’ve been dealin’ the spur of the moment. ‘Cause why did we think you could get us a ring?. They braggin’ ’bout how you went home, the fuck are they on? Crodie, we threw ’em away. G Pop sent us a real one from Daygo. And next thing we knew, we was doin’ parades.”
Drake seems to reference DeMar DeRozan’s departure from the Toronto Raptors, Kawhi Leonard’s arrival and Toronto’s title run in 2019. DeRozan was traded after repeated playoff failures with the Raptors.
The Chicago native was also referenced on Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” and also made a cameo appearance in the track’s music video.
Steph Curry on Iceman (2 Hard 4 The Radio)
“Back when they was askin’ ’bout where Davidson was at … Now everybody got a blue thirty on they back.”
Drake seems to shout out Steph Curry, who notably did not take a side in his 2024 beef with Kendrick Lamar. Lamar mentioned Curry on his diss track “Meet the Grahams.”
“Hey, Curry, keep the family away / To anybody that embodies the love for the kids, keep the family away,” Lamar said.
Michael Jordan on Maid of Honor (Q&A)
“Why are you kicking your feet up with niggas? Are you Michael Jordan.”
Muggsy Bogues on Iceman (Make Them Remember)
“And Muggsy Bogues dunked for once, even I’m a bit amazed.”
The line appears to use Bogues, the shortest player in NBA history, as a comparison point.
Kevin Durant on Maid of Honor (Q&A)
“Me and KD got way too much cheese.”
Wilt Chamberlain reference on Iceman (Janice STFU)
“Kept it a hundred on paper like Wilt.”
Drake namedrops Wilt Chamberlain, referencing his 100-point game.
Gilbert Arenas on Iceman (Make Them Pay)
“I done got my shit inside arenas like Gilbert Arenas.”
Drake references Gilbert Arenas infamous incident from 2009, when he brought an unloaded firearm into the Washington Wizards’ locker room.
Kobe Bryant on Iceman (National Treasures)
“R.I.P. Kobe, but y’all niggas brokie. That’s probably why y’all be shackin’ together.”
Drake pays homage to Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who passed away in a helicopter crash in 2020.
Kyrie Irving on Iceman (Janice STFU)
“And I might just tell Ky get another.”
Drake references Kyrie Irving, seemingly telling him to get another championship ring.
