Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

JJ Redick Sends Blunt Message After LeBron James’ Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 10:06 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James harkened back to one of his most iconic moments on Tuesday, but he put a different spin on it.

The 40-year-old followed up on his announcement of "The Second Decision" on Monday via his social media. He announced a new partnership with the liquor brand Hennessy in a video mimicking his "The Decision" TV special from July 2010, when he revealed he would leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat.

Fans on social media created several theories about what the announcement would be before it was released, including retirement and a trade request. For example, @big_business on X posted a GIF of actor Matthew McConaughey crying and captioned it "My GOAT bout to retire and become a streamer."

Lakers head coach JJ Redick didn't mince words when asked if anybody texted him about James retiring on Tuesday, via ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23).Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“You guys are idiots," he said before the reporters laughed.

Fans thought that James could've announced that this would be his last year given that he's the NBA's oldest player and will break the league record for seasons played (23) when Los Angeles hosts the Golden State Warriors to open the regular season on Oct. 21. However, James used the ambiguity as a marketing tactic for his new business ventures.

A compilation of Lakers reactions to LeBron James’ The Decision 2.0:
Rui Hachimura - “He loves to do that type of stuff”
Austin Reaves: “I got a couple calls, like, ‘What is this?’”
JJ Redick - “You guys are idiots” pic.twitter.com/SiujD19E9w
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 7, 2025

LeBron James' Retirement Timeline Up in the Air

James admitted at Lakers Media Day on Sept. 29 that he's still not sure when he'll call it quits on a legendary career, via The Associated Press's Greg Beacham.

“I’m excited about today,” the 21-time All-Star said. “I’m excited about the opportunity to be able to play the game that I love for another season. However the journey lays out this year, I’m super-invested, because I don’t know when the end is. I know it’s a lot sooner than later.”

On the other hand, James did reveal that he's not waiting for his son Bryce, who is entering his freshman season at Arizona, to make the NBA. He already plays with his elder son Bronny in Los Angeles, which is the first father-son teammate duo in league history.

James is on an expiring contract, which he also said won't affect his outlook this season. The Lakers will have an advantage if he hits unrestricted free agency next offseason, given that they have Bronny and that the James family lives in Los Angeles.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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