The Los Angeles Lakers organization remained unfazed by LeBron James` recent social media post, dubbed the `Second Decision,` which had sparked widespread speculation about his potential retirement. On Monday, James teased an upcoming announcement, but the team`s staff quickly recognized it for what it was.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed the team`s calm demeanor, stating after Tuesday`s practice:
“We all knew it was an ad, right?”
He playfully chided reporters, adding, “You guys are idiots.”
While Lakers players and coaching staff were well aware that James` X (formerly Twitter) post, teasing “the decision of all decisions,” was merely a promotional stunt, a segment of the public was initially misled until James unveiled its true nature the following day.
The reveal came in an advertisement for Hennessy cognac. James appeared in the ad wearing a distinctive red and white checkered shirt, an intentional nod to his 2010 ESPN special where he famously announced his departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat, a move widely known as `The Decision.` In this latest commercial, James declared his intention to “take his talents to Hennessy VSOP.”
Both Redick and players Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura reported receiving numerous text messages following James` enigmatic post. Redick clarified:
“I think most people who texted me were already aware it was likely an advertisement, so no one was really panicking.”
Hachimura admitted to messaging James directly for clarification, receiving only an emoji in response, the specifics of which he declined to reveal. According to Hachimura, James “loves to do that type of stuff. Surprises, right?”
Reaves confirmed receiving calls inquiring about James` intentions.
“People were indeed thinking he was retiring,” Reaves recounted. “I`m just glad he`s not. That`s all I can say.”
When asked if he had sampled the product James was promoting, Reaves stated he doesn`t consume alcohol. He then quipped, “If I ever start, I suppose that would be the one.”
