In July 2025, rumors spread rapidly across social media claiming that NBA star LeBron James abruptly left a party after a Drake song began playing, sparking widespread speculation about tensions between the two celebrities. However, credible reports from the event confirm LeBron James was present and enjoying himself throughout the night, disproving the viral narrative. This fact-check clarifies the situation and sheds light on the evolving relationship between LeBron James and Drake.

Clarifying the Events at the Beach Club Party

Videos shared on social platforms seemed to capture LeBron James and his wife Savannah leaving a party right as a Drake track started playing. One repost by DJ Akademiks was captioned,

“Lebron and Savannah seen leaving the function after the DJ played Drake,”

fueling assumptions of a snub. Yet, multiple reliable sources told a different story. LeBron was seen dancing, notably to Kendrick Lamar’s diss track aimed at Drake, “Not Like Us,” and enjoyed the atmosphere rather than storming out.

Additional footage shared by the account @MaskedInLA showed LeBron vibing to both Kendrick Lamar and Drake songs, including God’s Plan, undermining the claim that he showed animosity toward Drake’s music. Hot97 and Billboard, two reputable music and entertainment outlets, confirmed his energetic response to the tracks during the Cannes event, with Hot97 stating he was

“dancing … to Kendrick Lamar’s diss track ‘Not Like Us,’”

and Billboard describing him as “turning up” to the song. None reported any dramatic exit when Drake’s music played.

While one unverified post suggested LeBron later danced to Drake’s “Nokia” based on a videographer’s comment, no major outlets confirmed this moment. Overall, events indicate the online story was more an exaggeration than an accurate depiction of LeBron’s behavior at the party, reflecting how quickly social media can distort reality.

Understanding the Changing Relationship Between LeBron James and Drake

The once-close friendship between LeBron James and Drake has recently shown signs of strain, catching the attention of fans and media alike. Drake, known for publicly supporting LeBron over the years, introduced a subtle but pointed change during a performance of his 2018 track “Nonstop.” He replaced the original lyric,

“How I go from 6 to 23 like I’m LeBron?”

with the line “but not LeBron, man,” which many interpreted as a jab, given LeBron’s jersey number 6 and 23.

This lyric alteration suggested tension, a sentiment echoed in Drake’s subsequent music where themes of betrayal and broken bonds emerged, hinting at a fractured friendship lasting nearly two decades. Fans reacted strongly, some accusing LeBron of disloyalty. One fan wrote on social media,

“He was closer with Drake than any other rapper—now he’s dancing to his diss track? That’s lame.”

Another referenced Drake’s notable support for LeBron’s family during Bronny James’ cardiac arrest in 2023, expressing disappointment over the apparent fallout.

Fueling speculation further, Drake removed a tattoo of LeBron’s St. Vincent–St. Mary jersey and replaced it with one honoring Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This visible change amplified rumors of discord, although neither artist has publicly confirmed a complete breakup of their friendship.

The Broader Context and What This Means for Fans

The intense speculation surrounding LeBron James and Drake underscores how personal relationships among public figures can become magnified under the spotlight, often leading to misinformation. The inaccurate viral rumor about LeBron walking out over Drake’s music reveals how quickly narratives can spiral without factual support.

Despite the apparent friction hinted in music and social media, evidence from the Cannes party indicates that LeBron James did not refuse to listen to Drake’s songs and instead engaged with the music in good spirits. This distinction is important as it clarifies the actual dynamics and tempers fan expectations on both sides.

Going forward, the evolving relationship between these influential figures will continue to attract attention, especially as each releases new projects or makes public appearances. Observers will be watching closely to see whether the friendly rapport can be restored or if the rift deepens, but for now, the claim that LeBron left a party because of Drake’s music remains unsubstantiated.