For a second, it felt like déjà vu. When LeBron James posted a cryptic video Monday teasing a “Second Choice,” followers braced for the chance that basketball’s most influential participant would possibly lastly be able to stroll away. The brief clip — displaying James seated throughout from one other man on a basketball courtroom with the caption “The choice of all selections. October seventh. 12 p.m. EST.” — instantly evoked recollections of his 2010 televised particular asserting his departure from Cleveland to Miami.
By Tuesday afternoon, the thriller had unraveled. The “Second Choice” wasn’t about retirement or one other transfer. It was an commercial for a cognac model — one other instance of how James’ each message can cease the sports activities world in its tracks.
LeBron’s Longevity Nonetheless Defying Logic
At 40 years previous, James will enter his record-setting twenty third NBA season, changing into the primary participant in league historical past to achieve that milestone. He stays one of many recreation’s most efficient stars, averaging 24.4 factors, 8.2 assists, and seven.8 rebounds throughout 70 video games final season whereas taking pictures 51.3% from the sphere. The efficiency earned him a twenty first All-Star choice, extending his all-time document.
The Choice has been made. Cheers to yr 23.@KingJames #HennessyxLeBron #TheSecondDecision #HennessyVSOP pic.twitter.com/WnXMZTiEPS
— Hennessy (@Hennessy) October 7, 2025
James’ statistical consistency continues to defy age. Solely 5 different gamers — Oscar Robertson, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden — have ever produced a season with comparable averages, and none did so previous age 35.
“The factor nonetheless pushing me is the truth that my love for the sport remains to be excessive,” James mentioned just lately. “I’m excited concerning the alternative to play the sport I like for an additional season.”
A New Chapter for the Lakers
The 2024–25 season led to disappointment for the Lakers, who completed 50–32 — third within the Western Convention — however fell within the first spherical of the playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The yr was outlined by a midseason blockbuster: the acquisition of Luka Dončić from Dallas in a deal that despatched Anthony Davis and Max Christie the opposite means.
Now, Los Angeles enters 2025–26 with a full coaching camp and common season for Dončić and James to construct chemistry beneath head coach J.J. Redick, who begins his first full season on the helm. The Lakers prolonged Dončić this offseason and re-signed each James and middle Jaxson Hayes, whereas including Deandre Ayton, Marcus Sensible, and Jake LaRavia to strengthen their depth.
Additionally they drafted Adou Thiero with the thirty sixth choose, signaling a long-term plan round Dončić whereas nonetheless aiming to maximise what may very well be James’ ultimate championship window.
“The main target now could be on continuity,” a group official mentioned this summer time. “Having Luka and LeBron collectively from Day 1 adjustments every part — it provides us a basis we didn’t have final yr.
Defining the Dončić–James Period
The partnership between Dončić and James has already proven flashes of brilliance. After becoming a member of forces in February, the 2 stars mixed for 59 help connections in 31 video games collectively — an early indication of their shared playmaking instincts. With an offseason to refine their timing and spacing, Los Angeles hopes to show that potential into sustained success.
For Redick, the problem is strategic: how you can stability Dončić’s high-usage, heliocentric type with James’ point-forward command. The arrival of Ayton supplies a standard put up presence, whereas Austin Reaves returns as a gentle third possibility on the perimeter.
The Lakers imagine that full well being and improved chemistry may flip final yr’s rising pains right into a severe playoff run.
LeBron’s Timeline, On His Phrases
Whereas his viral “Second Choice” teaser drew hypothesis, James made it clear he’s not getting ready for a farewell tour simply but.
“I’m not ready on Bryce — he’s his personal younger man,” James mentioned when requested if he’d delay retirement till his youngest son joins the league. “We’ll see what occurs this yr, subsequent yr, however he has his personal timeline, I’ve obtained my timeline, and I don’t know in the event that they fairly match up.”
Nonetheless, the Lakers have positioned themselves for a easy transition each time that point comes. The group has pivoted towards Dončić as its long-term centerpiece whereas permitting James to complete his profession on his phrases.
For now, the main focus is on another run — maybe his final — to chase a fifth NBA title.
“I do know it’s quite a bit prior to later,” James mentioned, “however I don’t know when the top is.”
Till that day comes, his selections — even the playful ones — will proceed to command the league’s consideration.
