LeBron James once again toyed with Los Angeles Lakers fans, teasing a “major announcement” that had fans and media losing their minds—only to reveal it was… wait for it… a marketing stunt. Yes, the 40-year-old superstar used the moment to launch a partnership with Hennessy VSOP, cheekily calling it “The Second Decision,” a thinly veiled throwback to his popous and poorly received 2010 free-agency special, The Decision.
“This fall, I’m going to be taking my talents to Hennessy VSOP,” James announced in the ad, adding he felt it was the “best opportunity at hosting.” Fans who braced for the end of LeBron’s era were left equal parts relieved and annoyed—mostly annoyed.
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LeBron Condescends To Everyone, Because Why Not?
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Even his teammates weren’t safe from the trolling. Austin Reaves said he got multiple frantic calls: “I got a couple calls, like, ‘What is this?’” Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura went straight to the source, only to be met with LeBron’s signature cryptic emojis. “He loves to do that type of stuff. Surprises, right?” Hachimura said. Lakers coach JJ Redick summed up the collective eye-roll perfectly: “You guys are idiots… We all knew it was an ad, right?”
Perhaps James hadn’t gotten his share of the limelight this offseason as it is evermore a reality that the Lakers and the NBA have moved on from him, to relevant stars like Luka Doncic.
Still ‘King’ on and off the Court
LeBron, who will begin his 23rd NBA season later this month, isn’t slowing down. Last year, he made history by playing alongside his son Bronny, becoming part of the first father-son duo in NBA history. Add in children Bryce and Zhuri, and LeBron’s legacy stretches far beyond the hardwood.
Off the court, he continues to sprinkle his philanthropy everywhere—from scholarships through the I Promise program to bike rides for Akron kids. But no amount of good deeds can stop the man from occasionally reminding everyone who’s really running the show.
Lakers Must Endure At Least One More Year Of LeBron James
“I’m excited about an opportunity to be able to play a game that I love for another season,” James said. Translation: he’s not retiring yet, but he sure knows how to keep fans panicking for clicks and social media chaos. Decision 2.0: the prank lives on.