Lakers fans go crazy and spend thousands because of LeBron James prank

Everyone can have a chuckle and go home. Maybe do some shopping on Amazon Prime. LeBron James pulled a funny prank on the NBA world and it was all in good fun. Fun for everyone, that is, except for the Los Angeles Lakers fans who dropped thousands of dollars not wanting to miss LeBron's final season in the NBA.

Lakers fans, the NBA world and to some extent the entire Internet reacted on Monday afternoon to LeBron James dropping a cryptic teaser video on social media. The ten-second clip merely featured him walking across a court to take a seat and fold his hands. The text: "The decision of all decisions. October 7th. 12pm EST. 🫡👑 #TheSecondDecision".

"Second" decision of course refers back to the first, the "Decision" television special in 2010 when LeBron announced that he was "taking his talents to South Beach" and signing with the Miami Heat. He received plenty of blowback in the moment and since, as he made his announcement into a massive spectacle and at the same time ripped out the hearts of his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers and their fans.

The conversation immediately focused on what the announcement could be. Given that James is 40 years old and preparing to start his NBA-record 23rd season in the league, the obvious conclusion was that James was going to announce that this will be his final season in the NBA.

Many athletes have done this, letting the world know ahead of time to celebrate them during their final season. Most famously for Lakers fans, Kobe Bryant had a "farewell season" filled with celebrations in each NBA city and an incredible final performance with 60 points vs the Utah Jazz in 2016.

If this is LeBron's final season, Lakers fans want to be in on the action. In the hours following the announcement, Lakers tickets started to be scooped up in droves. And one game in particular was at the center of activity: the Lakers' final home game of the 2025-26 season, an April 12, 2026 matchup against the Utah Jazz -- just like Kobe.

As reported by ESPN, ticket prices spiked to a minimum of $580 each; to get into the lower bowl it means taking out a second mortgage. Some Lakers fans began spending thousands of dollars to ensure they could see LeBron James in his final game.

They may have felt vindicated if LeBron James had gone on to announce that he was indeed retiring, but that was far from the case. Instead, it turned out to be an elaborate prank -- merely a bizarre marketing ploy to announce a partnership with Hennessy.

LeBron was building an elaborate prank all along

Despite LeBron's post pointing to a noon ET reveal, roughly 90 minutes ahead of time Hennessy posted on their social media account a minute-long video recreating the conversation of the first "Decision" down to the question and answer format. LeBron revealed his decision: he was taking his talents to Hennessy VSOP.

It was an announcement that prompted a deep eye roll from most, and perhaps a desire to try some cognac. Yet for Lakers fans who spent hundreds or even thousands of dollars on tickets, it was an upset stomach and an empty bank account that they were left with.

It was a painful prank, and for many it has real consequences. LeBron is likely quite pleased with himself, and he continues his legacy of controlling his own media path. Perhaps when it is time to actually announce his retirement he will do so with a bit more class and a bit less corn.

We can all drink to that.