JJ Redick and Austin Reaves are laughing off LeBron James’ fake retirement announcement. After LeBron sent the internet into a frenzy with a cryptic social media post that turned out to be an ad, the Lakers duo admitted they knew it was never real and poked fun at fans who fell for it.
“You guys are idiots,” said coach Redick in a chat with the media. “We all knew it was an ad. Most people that text me are also aware it’s probably an ad. Nobody was freaking out.”
Austin Reaves couldn’t help but laugh as the media questioned him on LeBron’s post. While he didn’t call them “idiots,” he admitted he was glad that his superstar teammate is sticking around.
“Obviously, people thought he was retiring,” Reaves said. “I’m glad he’s not.”
The scene has been chaotic on social media this week after LeBron hinted at a “big announcement” on social media. He marketed the event as the “Decision 2.0” and teased at something major, leading many fans to believe he was on the verge of retirement. With the entire basketball world holding their breath, fans tuned in only to find out that the whole thing was a marketing routine for James’ new project with Hennessy.
The Decision has been made. Cheers to year 23.@KingJames #HennessyxLeBron #TheSecondDecision #HennessyVSOP pic.twitter.com/WnXMZTiEPS
— Hennessy (@Hennessy) October 7, 2025
It was an easy stunt for James that fooled a lot of people into thinking he was heading toward retirement. At 40 years old, we know the time is coming and he’s admitted to thinking about “the end” before. If he wants a full retirement tour, it would make sense for him to announce his final season ahead of time so that teams and fans can have time to prepare and celebrate his career.
In reality, LeBron isn’t retiring yet and only he knows when that moment will arrive. While he may be 40 years old, his love of the game has never been stronger and his work ethic continues to hold up even after 22 seasons of play.
With averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game on 51.3% shooting last season, his game is still elite and he’ll be playing a major role on the Lakers this campaign. As a four-time champion already, James has nothing left to prove as far as winning, but he’s got another chance to win it all alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton.
For a Lakers team in position to succeed at the highest levels, they need James at 100% to reach their highest potential and he is sure to deliver just like he always has. The question is, what comes next for LeBron after his Lakers days are done? Whether it’s a return to Cleveland or a transition to league/team ownership, LeBron has big plans for his next chapter even though it hasn’t yet begun. While he’s still playing, James intends to make the most of his time on the court and he’ll only end things on his own terms.
LeBron’s playing days might be winding down, but his influence on the game is as strong as ever. Even a fake retirement post can stop the basketball world in its tracks, and that says everything about his legacy. For now, he’s focused on winning, leading, and enjoying every moment of year 23. When the real announcement finally comes, it’ll be on his terms, just like everything else in his career.
