LeBron James almost gave a farewell message to the NBA world. But hey! Do not forget that the Chosen One is also one of the biggest pranksters in the game. No, the Second Decision wasn’t about retirement. Instead, it was his call to keep up with the winner’s mindset with Hennessey. And just when the fans were finally settling down with the fact that the soon-to-be 41-year-old LA Lakers star wasn’t hanging up his boots, Kawhi Leonard walked in.

The LA Clippers finally tipped off their preseason after being one of the last teams to debut, and the wait delivered fireworks. Kawhi Leonard led the charge in Oceanside with 18 points in just 18 minutes as the Clippers crushed the Guangzhou Loong Lions 142-95. This opener came after six intense training days and scrimmages since September 30.

Meanwhile, talking to the media after the game, the Klaw had a cup in his hand. He was sipping something out of it, and the curious reporters wanted to know what was in it. “Hennessy! Nah I’m just playing,” Leonard said, laughing. Well, looks like LeBron James’ brand partners gave Kawhi and the media something to laugh about on Thursday!

In the same interview, Kawhi Leonard cleared the air around the age concern of the Clippers. He stated, “I’ve been an unc for a long time. Since I was 16 years old, it’s nothing new. I started on a team with a lot of veterans. It’s nothing new to me. When I first came in, I was with a lot of greats. Tim Duncan, Tony, Manu, Stephen Jackson, TJ Ford, Richard Jefferson. It’s been like that for me.”  Despite the average age of 33.2, the LA Clippers seem locked in.

As the saying goes, “age is just a number.” Interestingly enough, it’s not just the Clippers, or their senior-most star, Chris Paul (40), who is proving every syllable. LeBron, too, as we know, is breaking the age barrier, ready to go all-out in year 23.

Now, coming back to Bron and his latest campaign with Hennessey. Well, it’s safe to say, the basketball world had to hold its breath to know what was coming at them when the advertisement hit social media. Second Decision? What was that supposed to mean?

LeBron James left the fans in confusion with his Second Decision

Time seemed to pause when LeBron James teased his ‘Second Decision,’ sending fans spiraling into speculation. Retirement? A team switch? A career shakeup? Instead, James revealed a partnership with Hennessy, tweeting, “The Decision has been made. Cheers to year 23.” He explained, “I feel like it’s going to give me the best opportunity to win more at hosting. Not only that. Win in signature cocktails, win in having a good time, win at having a good time, win at impressing guests, win at making memories.”

Social media erupted as the high-production Hennessy ad dropped, styled as a playful nod to his 2010 ESPN special, ‘The Decision.’ Fans and peers reacted wildly. Ja Morant wrote, “nahh,” while Josh Hart guessed an Amazon Prime collab. Anticipation turned to disbelief. Creativity and humor were applauded by some, but others felt duped, accusing LeBron of toying with emotions in a clever marketing stunt.

Thursday proved that the NBA loves a good twist. LeBron James teased a seismic move only to serve a masterclass in marketing, while Kawhi reminded everyone that veteran fire still burns bright. Clippers’ age worries? Irrelevant. The hardwood is theirs to own, and between pranks, partnerships, and preseason dominance, the league witnessed a spectacle where experience, humor, and talent collided flawlessly.