LeBron James set the internet on fire Monday, announcing he’d make “the decision of all decisions” Tuesday.
While Los Angeles Lakers and NBA fans alike speculated the superstar might be teasing retirement entering his 23rd season in the league, his viral announcement turned out to be an advertisement revealing his continued partnership with Hennessy.
James mirrored “The Decision,” which aired on July 8, 2010, when he revealed he’d be leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat. His first decision drew plenty of backlash, and his second did much of the same.
😉😜👑 https://t.co/NGqV2C0dSy
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 7, 2025
MORE: Lakers’ Austin Reaves praises Bronny James amid preseason struggles
Stephen A. Smith criticizes LeBron James’ latest decision
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith took to First Take to critique James’ latest stunt. Smith and James have a bit of a history; the superstar confronted the analyst courtside at a Lakers game last season over comments Smith had made about his son, Bronny James.
Smith didn’t pull any punches this time around, calling LeBron’s “Second Decision” both “cringy” and “corny” while criticizing the four-time MVP’s advertisement on Wednesday.
“This was corny as h—. It was cringy; it was all of that — we know this,” Smith said. “You’re promoting an alcoholic beverage and trying to give people the impression that this could be your final season.”
Stephen A. Smith calls out LeBron for his ad
“If you play like garbage at any point in time when it really really counts, I’m going to think about that Hennessy commercial and wonder if you were drinking something before the game”
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 8, 2025
Following his announcement, James will continue preparing for the regular season. The four-time champion is in jeopardy of missing the entire preseason due to a nerve irritation in his glute, though he appears likely to return for Opening Night against the Golden State Warriors.
Alongside Luka Doncic, James will aim to lead the Lakers on a deep playoff run in what could be his final season after averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game across 70 regular-season appearances in 2024-25.
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