It felt like time froze when LeBron James announced his ‘Second Decision’. With retirement looming, this felt like it could be the moment. That is exactly how it started. However, the decision had nothing to do with his future. James is taking a call to continue winning, but it’s a partnership with Hennessey.

They took to Twitter to post the announcement. “The Decision has been made. Cheers to year 23,” they wrote. The ‘cheers’ will happen with an exclusive LeBron James Hennessey VSOP. In the video, LeBron James spoke about how the collaboration will help him “win” off the floor.

“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,” he said in the advertisement. Many knew that the Akron Hammer wasn’t about to announce his retirement like this.

However, the 40-year-old did manage to send fans into a frenzy. Even some of his peers. Ja Morant wrote, “nahh” reacting to the announcement. James’ former teammate, Josh Hart, was closer, suspecting it was going to be another partnership with Amazon Prime. Nonetheless, it doesn’t look like it is going to be LeBron James’ last season in the NBA.

Contractually, it is. James opted into his player option with the Los Angeles Lakers. His agent, Rich Paul, previously hinted at their camp weighing options to best optimise the remainder of James’ career. And although not retiring, the Lakers could be staring at their last season with the King.

LeBron James could leave Los Angeles

Jeanie Buss wanted LeBron James to retire as a Laker. But his decision to opt in for one last year has sparked doubts about his wanting to be in LA. There have been five different champions since the last time the Lakers won. Heading into an unprecedented Year 23, James acknowledges that retirement is around the corner.

It’s only a few more years. Likewise, James wants the best chance to add more championships to his resume. Until now, that didn’t seem possible with the Lakers. But Luka Doncic’s intentional summer has changed things.

Doncic allows the 40-year-old to manage himself during an 82-game season. The Slovenian has significantly reduced the chances of injuries with a physical transformation. Moreover, his reinvigorating determination saw him be one of the best defenders at the EuroBasket. Add to that a true center Deandre Ayton, and a ball hawk in Marcus Smart, the Lakers appear better than last season.

That’s from a team that won 50 games and was the third seed in the West. So while it is technically his last season, a triumphant run for the Lakers could see James commit himself to the franchise. However, the Purple and Gold have a new leadership. Mark Walter is working towards a “long-term” vision. So the Lakers could value the cap space they create next season to sign a permanent partner for Luka Doncic.

Things are complicated with LeBron James’ future in the City of Angels. But if he can deliver another championship besides Doncic, the Lakers aren’t a franchise not to be bold. Do you think the Akron Hammer will remain a Laker after this season? Let us know your views in the comments below.