A frustrated Los Angeles Lakers fan has filed a lawsuit against LeBron James, claiming he was misled by the superstar’s much-hyped “Decision 2.0” announcement that ultimately turned out to be a Hennessy advertisement.
According to TMZ and multiple outlets, the fan, identified in court filings as Andrew Garcia, 29, alleges that LeBron’s cryptic teaser post earlier this month led him to believe the four-time MVP was preparing to announce his retirement. In anticipation, Garcia says he rushed to purchase two tickets to the Lakers’ final regular-season game, believing it could be James’ last appearance.
Garcia filed the case in Los Angeles County small claims court, seeking $856 in damages, the amount he spent on the tickets. In his complaint, he accuses James of “fraud, deception, and misrepresentation,” arguing that the tickets lost their special value once it was revealed that LeBron’s “Decision 2.0” was simply a marketing rollout for a limited-edition cognac bottle.
LeBron’s teaser, which echoed his infamous 2010 ESPN special The Decision, sent shockwaves through the NBA world. Fans speculated about retirement, a farewell tour, or even a blockbuster trade. Ticket prices for the Lakers’ final home game against the Utah Jazz skyrocketed overnight, with resale platforms reporting surges of several hundred dollars.
When the reveal turned out to be a Hennessy campaign, many fans felt duped. While some laughed it off as clever marketing, others, like Garcia, were left angry at what they saw as a bait-and-switch.
It remains unclear how the lawsuit will play out. Legal experts note that proving damages in such a case could be difficult, as the tickets still hold value for a regular-season NBA game.
