JJ Redick isn’t impressed by those who thought LeBron James was hinting at a significant announcement.
Recently, James, now 40, shared a teaser video for “The Second Decision,” with plans to unveil something the following day.
Some speculators wondered if he was revealing details about his final season, while others thought it could be a marketing gimmick.
As it turned out, it was indeed the latter—an ad campaign for a liquor brand.
“You guys are idiots,” Redick remarked, a friend of James and head coach of the Lakers, to reporters. “Everyone knew it was an ad, right? I think I certainly got some texts. Most of the people who texted me probably knew it was an ad too. Nobody was panicking.”
Rumors about James retiring have circulated for some time, mainly due to his age and the wear on his body as he approaches his 23rd NBA season.
Still, he has stayed productive and appears to be in good health. In the last season, James played 70 games, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds, helping lead the Lakers to a 50-33 record in Redick’s coaching debut.
However, the Lakers, who were seeded third, were eliminated in the first round by the sixth-seeded Timberwolves, losing the series 4-1.
Following a dramatic midseason trade with the Mavericks, there was speculation about James possibly requesting a trade as the Lakers focus more on their long-term star, Luka Doncic.
James is also looking forward to playing alongside his son, Bronny, who the Lakers selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Last season, Bronny fluctuated between the NBA and G League, appearing in 27 games with the Lakers, and averaging 2.7 points in just under seven minutes per game.
According to DraftKings, the Lakers have the sixth-best odds for the 2025-26 NBA Championship at +1,400, tying with the Timberwolves.
The Thunder are favored at +250, followed by the Nuggets at +600, Knicks at +850, Cavaliers at +850, and Rockets at +1100.
