LeBron James‘ recent Hennessy ad — which initially seemed like a retirement announcement due to being called the “Second Decision” — caused many fans to rush to buy Los Angeles Lakers tickets. While reality hit them all, one fan has decided to take their frustrations to the courtroom.
Andrew Garcia, a 29-year-old Lakers fan, told TMZ Sports that he wanted to be in the building to see King James face the Cleveland Cavaliers one last time on March 31, 2026. He spent $865.66 on two tickets, only for them to lose all value when the four-time NBA champion revealed his limited edition Hennessy VSOP instead of confirming he was walking away from the hardwood.
Garcia now hopes a judge will force LBJ to reimburse him. He filed a lawsuit in a Los Angeles County small claims court on Wednesday (Oct. 8). He claims that James owes him for “fraud, deception, misrepresentation, and any and all basis of legal recovery,” and told TMZ he would not have purchased the tickets if he didn’t think the legendary hooper was retiring. “Plain and simple,” he said.
James has yet to address the backlash for his announcement. He did, however, quote Hennessy’s X account and drop emojis that could hint at him knowing the hysteria they would create; specifically, a winking emoji, a tongue out emoji, and his typical crown emoji.
The father of three is entering year 23 and his eighth year with the Lakers, so retirement isn’t a crazy thought. The historic franchise has had an up-and-down experience since he joined its ranks. They missed the playoffs in his first season in 2018-2019, won a title in The Bubble the following year, then got eliminated in the first round of the playoffs the next year, missed the playoffs again, got swept in the Western Conference Finals, and fell to a gentlemen’s sweep the next two seasons.
He has clearly lost a few steps and dealt with nagging injuries for years, and the Lakers don’t have a complete roster that many believe could win a ring. Nonetheless, James is confident he can continue playing for a few more seasons.
VIBE has reached out to a rep for James for comment.