Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James made waves on Monday when he teased a “Second Decision” on social media.
The announcement turned out to be an ad for Hennessy cognac, and one disgruntled fan took his frustration with the tease to court.
Rumors spread that the “Second Decision” would be a retirement announcement for the 40-year-old forward, who is preparing for his 23rd NBA season. Ticket prices surged on resale markets for the potential farewell tour.
Andrew Garcia, a 29-year-old Lakers fan, was one of the people frantically scooping up tickets. He purchased a pair of seats for the March 31 home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers — James’ former team — for more than $800, he said in an interview with TMZ Sports.
The ticket prices have since deflated, and Mr. Garcia filed a suit in small claims court over “fraud, deception, misrepresentation, and any and all bases of legal recovery,” according to TMZ Sports.
James’ Laker teammates were never concerned about a retirement announcement.
“You guys are idiots,” Lakers coach J.J. Redick told reporters on Tuesday. “We all knew it was an ad, right? I’m sure I got some texts. … I think most people that text me are also aware that it was probably an ad. Nobody was freaking out.”
James and the Lakers open the regular season — potentially the last for the NBA’s all-time scoring leader — at home against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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