For a moment, it felt like déjà vu. When LeBron James posted a cryptic video Monday teasing a “Second Decision,” fans braced for the possibility that basketball’s most influential player might finally be ready to walk away. The short clip — showing James seated across from another man on a basketball court with the caption “The decision of all decisions. October 7th. 12 p.m. EST.” — immediately evoked memories of his 2010 televised special announcing his departure from Cleveland to Miami.
By Tuesday afternoon, the mystery had unraveled. The “Second Decision” wasn’t about retirement or another move. It was an advertisement for a cognac brand — another example of how James’ every message can stop the sports world in its tracks.
LeBron’s Longevity Still Defying Logic
At 40 years old, James will enter his record-setting 23rd NBA season, becoming the first player in league history to reach that milestone. He remains one of the game’s most productive stars, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds across 70 games last season while shooting 51.3% from the field. The performance earned him a 21st All-Star selection, extending his all-time record.
The Decision has been made. Cheers to year 23.@KingJames #HennessyxLeBron #TheSecondDecision #HennessyVSOP pic.twitter.com/WnXMZTiEPS
— Hennessy (@Hennessy) October 7, 2025
James’ statistical consistency continues to defy age. Only five other players — Oscar Robertson, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden — have ever produced a season with comparable averages, and none did so past age 35.
“The thing still pushing me is the fact that my love for the game is still high,” James said recently. “I’m excited about the opportunity to play the game I love for another season.”
A New Chapter for the Lakers
The 2024–25 season ended in disappointment for the Lakers, who finished 50–32 — third in the Western Conference — but fell in the first round of the playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The year was defined by a midseason blockbuster: the acquisition of Luka Dončić from Dallas in a deal that sent Anthony Davis and Max Christie the other way.
Now, Los Angeles enters 2025–26 with a full training camp and regular season for Dončić and James to build chemistry under head coach J.J. Redick, who begins his first full season at the helm. The Lakers extended Dončić this offseason and re-signed both James and center Jaxson Hayes, while adding Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia to strengthen their depth.
They also drafted Adou Thiero with the 36th pick, signaling a long-term plan around Dončić while still aiming to maximize what could be James’ final championship window.
“The focus now is on continuity,” a team official said this summer. “Having Luka and LeBron together from Day 1 changes everything — it gives us a foundation we didn’t have last year.
Defining the Dončić–James Era
The partnership between Dončić and James has already shown flashes of brilliance. After joining forces in February, the two stars combined for 59 assist connections in 31 games together — an early indication of their shared playmaking instincts. With an offseason to refine their timing and spacing, Los Angeles hopes to turn that potential into sustained success.
For Redick, the challenge is strategic: how to balance Dončić’s high-usage, heliocentric style with James’ point-forward command. The arrival of Ayton provides a traditional post presence, while Austin Reaves returns as a steady third option on the perimeter.
The Lakers believe that full health and improved chemistry could turn last year’s growing pains into a serious playoff run.
LeBron’s Timeline, On His Terms
While his viral “Second Decision” teaser drew speculation, James made it clear he’s not preparing for a farewell tour just yet.
“I’m not waiting on Bryce — he’s his own young man,” James said when asked if he’d delay retirement until his youngest son joins the league. “We’ll see what happens this year, next year, but he has his own timeline, I’ve got my timeline, and I don’t know if they quite match up.”
Still, the Lakers have positioned themselves for a smooth transition whenever that time comes. The organization has pivoted toward Dončić as its long-term centerpiece while allowing James to finish his career on his terms.
For now, the focus is on one more run — perhaps his last — to chase a fifth NBA title.
“I know it’s a lot sooner than later,” James said, “but I don’t know when the end is.”
Until that day comes, his decisions — even the playful ones — will continue to command the league’s attention.
