NBA fans were relieved to learn “The Second Decision” teased by LeBron James on Monday turned out to be an advertisement campaign rather than a retirement announcement.
James’ announcement was revealed Tuesday to be an ad for Hennessy.
The Monday teaser referenced the 2010 ESPN special on which James announced he would be leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat.
Ticket prices for the Los Angeles Lakers’ regular season finale surged after the original video was posted.
Rumors regarding James’ future in the NBA have been circulating for years, but they became especially rampant after the league’s all-time leading scorer took his $52.6 million player option to rejoin the Lakers this season on an expiring contract.
His agent Rich Paul said in a statement to ESPN’s Shams Charania at the time his client “wants to compete for a championship” and “make every season he has left count.”
James, who will turn 41 in December, is heading into the 2025-26 season as the oldest player in the NBA.
In a September appearance on 360 With Speedy, James denied that he’s been sending signals of any impending retirement.
“I’m not hinting at anything,” James said on the Sept. 18 episode. “Obviously, I know I’m on the other side of the hump, for sure. Come on now, I’m not about to play another 23 years, that’s for damn sure, and I’m not about to play another 10. I’m definitely gearing up to where the end is, I’m not there yet.”
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has previously speculated that James is “going year to year” on his decision. Fans may have to wait until closer to the 2026-27 season to get any real updates on James’ retirement timeline.
For now, James is set to become the first NBA player to compete in a 23rd season when the Lakers tip off the 2025-26 season on Tuesday, Oct. 21 against the visiting Golden State Warriors.
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