On a recent episode of The Underground Lounge, former NBA player Lou Williams revealed a surprising reason behind his departure from the Toronto Raptors after the 2014-15 season. Joined by former teammate DeMar DeRozan, Williams explained how a popular Drake song may have played a role in the Raptors’ decision not to re-sign him, despite his stellar performance on the court.
During his lone season with the Raptors, Williams averaged 15.5 points and 2.1 assists per game, winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. The Georgia native became a fan favourite in Toronto, where he helped the team reach 49 wins and make the playoffs. Fans were eager to see him return for another season, but the Raptors’ front office had other plans. Williams, now a three-time Sixth Man of the Year, opened up about the factors that led to his departure.
“The word was Toronto didn’t re-sign me because of my lifestyle. They said I was a bad influence, and my vibe wasn’t right for what they were building out there,” Williams shared on the podcast. He then asked DeRozan if he had heard the same rumors. DeRozan confirmed the story but clarified that Williams’ off-court lifestyle wasn’t an issue for the team. According to DeRozan, only the Raptors’ front office seemed concerned.
The conversation then turned to Drake’s song, “6 Man,” from his 2015 album *If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late*, which made direct references to Williams’ lifestyle. The track’s opening lines — “Boomin’ out in South Gwinnett like Lou Will. 6 man like Lou Will. Two girls and they get along like I’m (Lou), like I’m Lou Will” — seemed to echo the very concerns the Raptors’ management had about Williams’ personal life.
When co-host Spank Horton asked if the song had influenced the Raptors’ decision, Williams responded without hesitation: “A thousand percent.”
Although Williams’ departure was a blow to Toronto fans, the revelation adds an interesting layer to the narrative, showing that off-court matters, including pop culture references, can have significant consequences in professional sports.
The episode also featured some light-hearted moments. DeRozan recalled an incident during their Raptors tenure when teammates James Johnson and Reggie Evans nearly fought over a rebounding dispute.
Evans, known for his relentless aggression, threatened Johnson after the latter repeatedly stole his rebounds. However, Johnson, who has a background in kickboxing and MMA, didn’t back down. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed, and the situation didn’t escalate further.
While Williams’ time in Toronto ended prematurely, his impact on the team and the city remains undeniable.
