LeBron James Sued by Lakers Fan Over “Decision 2.0” Ad That Allegedly Misled Him Into Buying ‘Final Game’ Tickets

NBA legend LeBron James is facing an unexpected lawsuit from a Los Angeles Lakers fan who claims he was deceived by the star’s recent “Decision 2.0” Hennessy commercial, which he says falsely implied that LeBron was retiring from basketball.

According to court documents filed in Los Angeles County, the fan alleges that the emotional tone and messaging of the ad — which featured LeBron reflecting on legacy, family, and “knowing when to step away” — led many viewers, including himself, to believe it was an official retirement announcement.

Believing it might be his last chance to see the NBA icon play, the fan says he spent $856 on two premium tickets to what he thought would be LeBron’s final home game at Crypto.com Arena earlier this year. When no retirement followed and LeBron later confirmed he would return for the 2025–26 season, the fan said he felt “duped and financially exploited by false advertising.”

The lawsuit accuses both LeBron James and Hennessy, the brand behind the ad, of misrepresentation and emotional distress, demanding a full refund, damages, and public clarification about the ad’s intent.

While neither LeBron’s camp nor Hennessy has issued an official comment, sources close to the Lakers star insist the ad was “a creative campaign about reflection and perseverance — not retirement.”

Social media reactions have been split: some users sympathize with the fan’s frustration, while others mock the lawsuit as overreach. “You paid $856 to see greatness — that’s never a waste,” one fan wrote on X. Another joked, “LeBron’s legacy made him cry in an ad and you thought he was leaving?”

Legal analysts note that the case may struggle to prove actual deception since the commercial contained no explicit retirement statement, though it “played heavily on emotional cues,” which could blur consumer interpretation.

As LeBron enters his 22nd NBA season still chasing another championship ring, the lawsuit adds a bizarre twist to his enduring career — and another reminder of how powerful, and risky, modern sports marketing can be.