7 Shocking Layers: The Real Reason Kendrick Lamar Name-Dropped NBA Legend John Stockton In 'Not Like Us'

The seemingly random intersection of a legendary, famously reserved NBA point guard and the world's most intense hip-hop rivalry became one of 2024's biggest cultural talking points. The name-drop of Hall of Famer John Stockton in Kendrick Lamar’s viral diss track, "Not Like Us," was far more than a simple basketball reference, carrying a controversial and deeply layered meaning that sparked immediate debate across social media and sports commentary channels. This unexpected shoutout, which occurred amidst the height of the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake beef, has now culminated in a surprising, recent reaction from Stockton himself, bringing a fresh wave of attention to the bizarre cultural crossover.

As of December 13, 2025, the conversation has shifted from analyzing the lyric's initial meaning to understanding Stockton's place in hip-hop history, especially after his comments on a recent podcast appearance. This article dives into the seven shocking layers of the connection, from the obvious passing reference to the dark, controversial jab aimed at Stockton's long-time teammate, Karl Malone, which ultimately forced the Utah Jazz icon to weigh in on the biggest rap feud of the decade.

John Stockton: A Biographical Deep Dive and NBA Legacy

John Houston Stockton is an American basketball icon, widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. His career is a testament to consistency, durability, and fundamental excellence, qualities that make his sudden appearance in a modern hip-hop beef all the more jarring. His professional and personal profile provides essential context for the lyric's controversial undertones.

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• Full Name: John Houston Stockton
• Date of Birth: March 26, 1962
• Place of Birth: Spokane, Washington, U.S.
• NBA Career: 1984–2003 (19 seasons)
• Team: Utah Jazz (The entirety of his career)
• Position: Point Guard
• Key Career Milestones:
  • NBA All-Time Leader in Assists (15,806)
  • NBA All-Time Leader in Steals (3,265)
  • 10× NBA All-Star
  • 1993 NBA All-Star Game MVP
  • 11× All-NBA Selections
  • 5× NBA All-Defensive Selections
  • 2× Olympic Gold Medals (1992, 1996)
  • Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee (2009)
• Signature Partnership: Formed one of the most famous duos in NBA history with power forward Karl Malone.
• Post-NBA Career: Known for maintaining a private life, coaching youth basketball, and more recently, for his controversial public statements regarding COVID-19 vaccines and mandates.

The Dual Meaning of the 'John Stockton' Lyric in 'Not Like Us'

Kendrick Lamar's track "Not Like Us" was a critical blow in his highly publicized feud with Drake, and the inclusion of the John Stockton line was a masterstroke of lyrical complexity. The line in question is:

"It's too many options, I'm finna pass on this body, I'm John Stockton."

The genius of the lyric lies in its two opposing, yet equally valid, interpretations, which created a cultural firestorm upon the song's release.

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Layer 1: The Literal Basketball Reference (The Assist)

The most straightforward interpretation is a nod to Stockton's unparalleled passing ability. Stockton holds the NBA record for career assists by a significant margin. In this context, Lamar is using "pass" in the basketball sense:

• "I'm finna pass on this body" means he is choosing to pass the ball (or in this context, the opportunity) to someone else.
• "I'm John Stockton" reinforces the idea that he is the ultimate passer.

This reading positions Lamar as the skilled playmaker, choosing to focus on the game (the rap beef) rather than getting distracted by a "body." It's a classic hip-hop metaphor, but it's the second layer that makes the lyric truly viral and controversial.

Layer 2: The Controversial Karl Malone Connection (The Jab)

The deeper, more sinister interpretation links Stockton to his legendary Utah Jazz teammate, Karl Malone, and Malone's widely known, controversial past. This interpretation weaponizes the word "pass" and the phrase "on this body":

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• "Pass on this body" is re-interpreted as passing up a sexual opportunity, but with a dark twist.
• The Implication: The line is a direct, subtle jab at Drake, playing into the accusations of predatory behavior and links to underage individuals that were a central theme of the beef.
• The Stockton/Malone Link: Stockton and Malone were inseparable for 18 seasons. By invoking Stockton's name, Lamar is intentionally triggering the memory of Malone's past: Malone fathered a child with a 13-year-old girl when he was 20 years old, a controversy that has shadowed his legacy.

In this reading, Lamar is essentially saying, "I'm passing on this body (unlike the predatory behavior being accused of my rival), I'm John Stockton (the partner of Karl Malone, who did not pass on a body)." It's a highly sophisticated, yet brutal, form of lyrical association that leverages a decades-old NBA controversy to score points in a rap battle.

John Stockton’s Surprising Reaction and Ultimate Assist Podcast Appearance

For months after the song's release and its performance during the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show on February 9, 2025, the world waited for a reaction from the famously private John Stockton. His silence only amplified the lyric's impact. Finally, the NBA Hall of Famer broke his silence, addressing the name-drop on "The Ultimate Assist Podcast."

The Family Connection and Halftime Show Watch

Stockton revealed that the name-drop was a major topic of discussion within his own family. He mentioned that he and his family, including his son Houston Stockton, specifically tuned into Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LIX performance to see if the line from "Not Like Us" would be included in the setlist.

• Stockton's Quote: While he didn't delve into the controversial Malone interpretation, Stockton acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, "Apparently it was a big deal."
• Embracing the Moment: Stockton, who has spent much of his post-NBA life avoiding the spotlight, seemed to take the reference in stride, giving his opinion on being part of hip-hop history. His reaction was one of mild amusement and recognition that his name had been elevated into a major cultural moment, far beyond the confines of the NBA.

The Topical Authority of the Crossover

The John Stockton/Kendrick Lamar connection highlights a growing trend in modern topical authority: the seamless crossover between sports, celebrity, and hip-hop culture. The lyric is a masterclass in using established entities (Stockton, Malone, NBA records) to create new, complex meaning within a contemporary context (the Drake beef). The inclusion of Stockton’s name serves several functions:

1. Lyrical Density: It rewards listeners who have a deep knowledge of both hip-hop and NBA history.
2. Shock Value: Stockton is the antithesis of a typical rap reference, making the mention immediately stand out.
3. Controversial Subtext: It allowed Lamar to deliver a devastating, indirect blow to his rival by leveraging a historical figure’s controversial association.

Ultimately, John Stockton, the man of 15,806 assists, delivered his latest, and perhaps most unexpected, assist by becoming a central, albeit unintentional, figure in one of the most famous rap feuds of the 21st century. His recent comments confirm that the line has cemented his legacy not just in the Basketball Hall of Fame, but also in the annals of hip-hop lore.