JJ Redick, the current head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers and a close friend of LeBron James, recently expressed his disbelief regarding the reactions to James' teaser video titled “The Second Decision.” On Monday, James, who is now 40 years old, shared a video that hinted at an announcement scheduled for Tuesday. Speculation ran wild among fans, with many wondering if he would reveal his retirement or if it was merely a publicity stunt. Ultimately, it turned out to be the latter, serving as an advertisement for a liquor brand.
In response to the frenzy surrounding the teaser, Redick candidly remarked, “You guys are idiots.” He addressed reporters on Tuesday, emphasizing that anyone close to the situation was well aware it was an advertisement. “I’m sure I got some texts. … I think most people that text me are also aware that it was probably an ad. Nobody was freaking out,” he added, highlighting the absurdity of the speculation.
Rumors surrounding LeBron James' retirement have circulated in recent years, particularly as he enters his 23rd season in the NBA. At his age, and considering the physical demands of the sport, many fans ponder whether this could be his final season. However, James has consistently proven himself as a resilient player, maintaining a high level of performance. Last season, he participated in 70 games, averaging an impressive 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds. Under Redick's coaching, the Lakers achieved a solid 50-33 record.
Despite their strong regular season, the Lakers faced a disappointing exit in the playoffs, being upset by the No. 6 seed Timberwolves in a 4-1 series loss during the first round. This unexpected defeat has led to further speculation about the franchise’s future direction. There has been talk of James potentially seeking a trade, especially as the Lakers appear to be shifting their long-term focus toward Luka Doncic, following a significant midseason trade with the Mavericks.
Another motivating factor for James is his desire to play alongside his son, Bronny James. The Lakers selected Bronny in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. Last season, Bronny had a taste of professional basketball, appearing in 27 games with the Lakers and averaging 2.7 points in under seven minutes per game. The potential of seeing both James and his son on the court together is an exciting prospect for fans and adds a personal layer to LeBron’s ongoing career.
As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming season, they are currently tied with the Timberwolves for the sixth-best odds to win the 2025-26 NBA championship, listed at +1400 by DraftKings. This positions them as serious contenders in the league, and fans are eager to see how the team will navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
