15 NBA players and their rapper counterparts

May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Recording artist Drake embraces Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) as they celebrate a 89-84 win over Indiana Pacers in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 15, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Kendrick Lamar accepts Best Rap Album during the 58th Grammy Awards at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY NETWORK /

13. Kawhi Leonard and Kendrick Lamar

Other than having the same initials, Kawhi Leonard and Kendrick Lamar have plenty in common. Mostly, though, that they are dedicated to the craft. You can read plenty of pieces on how Kawhi has transformed from defensive stopper to all-around great player and possibly the best two-way player in the game.

Kawhi is not only adored by Spurs fans, but fans of the game. Kawhi builds on top of an unwavering dedication to the fundamentals that the greats before him mastered with his God-given physical attributes and skills that help him take his game to soaring places.

Similarly, K-Dot went from someone who embraced the West Coast vibes and could come up with a catchy track in his early Section 80 days to full-on rap caviar. Listen to the writing on good kid, m.A.A.d. city or his snowballing raps and rhythms on To Pimp a Butterfly and you’ll never be bored, discovering something new about it on every listen.

A casual NBA fan can appreciate Kawhi. He’s an NBA Finals MVP who dunks and shoots enough three’s and gets out in transition enough that even passively you can appreciate him. As for Lamar, catchy hooks like “Alright” and “Swimming Pools (Drank)” maintain a constant presence on the charts. Judging by those things alone, these two would already be considered at the top of their respective games.

But for those who really love basketball or music can dive in and find an endless bounty of treasures. Love basketball and you’ll fall in love with Kawhi’s defensive instincts and positioning. Love rap and you’ll be enamored with Kendrick’s ability to shape shift his voice box and cadence as quickly as Kawhi jumping a passing lane.

These two can do it all, and they’re only just getting started.

Next: 12. Russell Westbrook