NBA

JJ Redick mocks fans and media over LeBron James retirement: “Idiots”

LeBron’s “decision of all decisions” turned out to be a cognac ad, leaving retirement speculation wide of the mark.

Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers high fives LeBron James #23 during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on April 09, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
SAM HODDE | AFP

Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick didn’t mince words about the speculation surrounding LeBron James’ future. “We all knew it was an ad, right?... You guys are idiots,” he said after fans and media buzzed over what some thought was a retirement announcement.

LeBron’s retirement speculation

The NBA world went into a frenzy Tuesday after LeBron teased what appeared to be an interview with the caption “The decision of all decisions.” Fans were told to tune in at 6 p.m. ET for the reveal. Instead of shocking news about retirement, the video turned out to be an ad for cognac.

Players react to “second decision”

During Lakers practice, reporters asked players about the hype. Rui Hachimura revealed he messaged LeBron directly to ask what was going on, only to get a single emoji in response. “He loves this kind of stuff,” Hachimura said.

Austin Reaves admitted he wasn’t as certain as Redick: “I got some calls from people thinking he was retiring. I’m glad that’s not the case.”

LeBron’s next chapter

At 40 years old, LeBron is preparing for his 23rd NBA season, more than any player in history. He still has one year left on his contract with the Lakers. Beyond that, the future is uncertain. Will he keep playing basketball? Will he stay in Los Angeles or head elsewhere? Will he retire and focus on cognac? Only LeBron knows.

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