Lakers fan explains why he’s suing LeBron James over Hennessy ad

One devoted Los Angeles Lakers fan is determined to teach LeBron James a lesson, even if it means spending on attorney fees to do it.

James was at the center of a polarizing advertising campaign earlier this week for the cognac brand, Hennessy. Before the ad formally launched, the four-time NBA champion released a teaser that he was announcing his “second decision,” alluding to his 2010 ESPN segment titled “The Decision” to announce his move to the Miami Heat.

While many fans recognized it was for an ad immediately, not everyone was able to catch on. Lakers fan Andrew Garcia was one of many fans who bought tickets to the Lakers’ final home game this season. Tickets for Lakers’ season finale and other late-season home games skyrocketed due to James’ teaser. Garcia coughed up $865.66 for two tickets to the Lakers’ game against James’ hometown Cleveland Cavaliers on March 31, 2026.

On Wednesday, Garcia reportedly filed a lawsuit against James in Los Angeles County Small Claims Court for “fraud, deception, misrepresentation, and any and all basis of legal recovery.” All Garcia wanted was his money back while also reminding James to be more mindful of his hardworking fans.

Garcia spoke to The Athletic’s Jordy Fee-Platt to explain why he felt compelled to take LeBron to court.

“When Kobe Bryant was retiring, I was much younger and was unable to attend any Lakers games that year because I wasn’t financially able to obtain them,” Garcia said. “So I’ve always told myself and people I know, if and when (LeBron James) finally announces that this will be his last season, I would want to go because I missed out on that opportunity with Kobe.”

“A lot of it to me is based off of principle,” Garcia continued. “It’s not even so much about winning or losing. I mean, we’re talking about a small-claims case here. We’re not talking about some big ordeal. Even if I have to go forward with the actual hearing and even if I lost, it is what it is. I’m standing up for what I believe, and I also feel like I’m standing up for other fans who were victims of the same thing.”

You can read more on The Athletic’s interview with Garcia here.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick also spoke about the ad earlier this week. He jokingly called anyone “idiots” for believing James was actually about to retire. But it’s easy to empathize with diehard fans like Garcia, who just want to celebrate their heroes’ big moments in person.