“This is child like behavior”- Netizens react as Drake reportedly covers up LeBron James tattoo with one dedicated to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

It’s rare when celebrity ink causes a full-blown online firestorm, but Drake’s latest decision has netizens double-tapping in disbelief. The rapper reportedly covered up his LeBron James bicep tattoo (famously inked in the Lakers icon’s high-school jersey) with one honoring fellow Canadian and Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Cue the social media meltdown.

Before the screenshots even circulated, one savage tweet hit harder than a three-pointer at the buzzer:

“We kinda always knew he was a loser and excused it because his music was good but it’s like Kendrick did something to REALLY expose it. This is child like behavior lol”

We kinda always knew he was a loser and excused it because his music was good but it’s like Kendrick did something to REALLY expose it. This is child like behavior lol https://t.co/iJuDskUH9X

— JJ🫡 (@JockOfAllTrades) July 12, 2025

 

Suddenly, what looked like ink is looking more like drama in permanent form.

 

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Fans weigh in on Drake’s sudden tattoo makeover

The internet couldn’t resist. X users were ready with hot takes hotter than SGA’s postseason. Some of the highlights include this fan questioning the status of that once-solid bromance with

 

“Damn what’s with the smoke I thought LeBron was cool with Drake”

Meanwhile, one threw shade aimed at the wisdom behind the ink choice.

“Doesn’t he have a son he could tattoo?”

“Love Drake but why he got bron tatted on him??” 

And yes, some fans were genuinely baffled at the original LeBron tribute. With others snobbishly pointing out stylistic inconsistencies in the new piece.

“That’s not even the Thunders font 😭”

“goat has outrageous obsession with basketball players lmaoao, and?”

And lastly, this netizen reminds us how Drizzy treats NBA stars like collectibles.

These reactions aren’t just snark—they’re context-packed. Drake once seemed close to LeBron, even freestyling about their friendship in “Fighting Irish.” However, LeBron’s attendance at Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 Pop Out concert (which Drake interpreted as betrayal), followed by Drizzy unfollowing him in October 2024, set the stage. Now, with fresh ink for SGA, fans are treating it as a power move or maybe overkill.

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Why this matters

Loyalty (or lack thereof) runs deep in hip-hop and the NBA. Tattoos are supposed to last forever; covering one up says something. Drake and SGA share Canadian roots, and SGA’s rise, complete with MVP buzz, Finals MVP crown, and national acclaim, makes him a worthy new muse. Meanwhile, replacing LeBron, an icon Drake once held close, signals a clear shift in alliances.

Drake didn’t comment directly, but fans have pieced together the narrative: LeBron siding (even subtly) with Kendrick at Pop Out, followed by Drake’s lyrical barbs on tracks like “What Did I Miss?” and leaked freestyles, shows there’s hurt in the mix. The tattoo cover is just the latest, and most visible, sign.

 

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Whether this media-sizzling moment is bravado or just meaningless ink, one thing’s sure: Drake has once again blurred the lines between personal life and branding, and in this case, between tattoo artistry and public drama.

LeBron? He’s staying silent, probably doing pull-ups while the internet debates. SGA? He’s probably happy to be the new face of Drizzy’s tribute sleeve. And all of us? We’ll be here dissecting every pixel of that arm one screenshot at a time.