LOS ANGELES, United States — The basketball world was sent into a frenzy this week as speculation mounted over a cryptic video released by NBA legend LeBron James. Dubbed the ‘Second Decision,’ the 10-second teaser posted on James’ social media channels sparked widespread anticipation, with many speculating it could signal his retirement at the end of the upcoming season. However, the video turned out to be a marketing ploy, announcing James’ partnership with a premium cognac brand set to launch in October. The teaser cleverly referenced James’ infamous 2010 ‘Decision,’ where he announced his move from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Miami Heat. The latest announcement, while unrelated to basketball, caused a surge in ticket prices for the Los Angeles Lakers’ final home game of the 2025-2026 season. Online marketplace Tickpick reported that the cheapest ticket for the Lakers’ game against the Utah Jazz on April 12, 2026, skyrocketed from $85 to $445 within hours of the video’s release. Other secondary market platforms like SeatGeek and Ticketmaster also saw prices soar, with listings reaching as high as $955. James, who is entering his 23rd NBA season at age 40, hinted at his impending retirement during a recent Lakers media event, stating, ‘Whatever the journey lays out this year, I’m super-invested because I don’t know when the end is. It’s a lot sooner than later.’ While the video ultimately revealed a business venture rather than a career decision, it underscored James’ enduring influence on both the sports and commercial worlds.