LeBron James thought he could enjoy a quiet summer in France. Instead, a viral dance video has reignited one of the messiest celebrity feuds in recent memory, leaving the NBA superstar caught between hip-hop heavyweights and facing a storm of social media criticism that shows no signs of slowing down.
Why Is LeBron James Being Called “Corny” for Dancing?
James is currently vacationing in France with his wife, Savannah, and friends, trying to rest his body for what could be his final NBA season. However, his peaceful getaway was disrupted when a clip of him dancing to Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 hit “Not Like Us” went viral and attracted harsh criticism from fans who continue to label him “corny.”
grown man dancing like that. corniest nba player ever 💀💀
— zov ✞ (@zovgambles) July 22, 2025
The viral clip in Cannes featured James alongside his business partner Maverick Carter and newlyweds Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, all enjoying the track more than a year after its release.
However, this wasn’t just any song. “Not Like Us” was Lamar’s famous diss track directed at Drake, part of a series of tracks the two artists exchanged during their highly publicized hip-hop beef in 2024.
How Did LeBron James Get Involved in the Drake-Kendrick Feud?
James has maintained a long-term friendship with Drake, even appearing in the rapper’s “Forever” music video back in 2009. However, his apparent support for Lamar has created tension with Drake’s fanbase. The 21-time All-Star attended a “Pop Out” concert hosted by Lamar in California, where the Compton rapper performed “Not Like Us” five times.
Yeah Lebron and Drake definitely don’t talk anymore 💀
— SUAREZ (@suayrez) July 22, 2025
The situation became more complicated when James appeared in Tyler, the Creator’s music video for “Stop Playing With Me” alongside rap duo Clipse, which includes Pusha T and Malice. Given Clipse’s long-standing beef with Drake, this cameo was widely viewed as James further aligning himself with Drake’s rivals. James’ Instagram caption, “STOP FKN PLAYING WITH ME!!!!,” only added fuel to the speculation.
Drake gonna sneak diss him again 😭😭
— 🅿️£tty. 🅱️o¥. 💲wag (@Sean_McFunn) July 23, 2025
Drake made his feelings about James’ perceived betrayal crystal clear earlier in 2025 when he removed a tattoo of the Lakers star that had been on his right bicep since 2018. The Canadian rapper also took direct shots at James in his latest single “What Did I Miss?,” which was released earlier this month.
Meanwhile, James continues to find himself at the center of trade rumors sparked by comments from his agent, Rich Paul, as “The King” seeks a fifth championship ring before potentially retiring. Despite the off-court drama, Drake’s fans will likely remain upset with James for quite some time.
However, unless the superstar forward somehow ends up with the Toronto Raptors, which seems highly unlikely, James appears ready to weather this particular storm just fine.
