LeBron James has found himself in an unexpected legal battle after a Lakers fan accused him of misleading the public with a promotional stunt. A 29-year-old lifelong Lakers supporter, Andrew Garcia, has filed a small claims lawsuit against James in Los Angeles County, seeking $865.66 in damages. Garcia says he bought two tickets worth $432.83 each to the Lakers vs. Cavaliers game, believing it would be one of LeBron’s final appearances before retirement.

The controversy began when James posted a series of cryptic messages online, teasing what he called “the decision of all decisions.” Fans immediately thought it was a nod to his infamous 2010 special ‘The Decision’, and speculation ran wild that the NBA icon was preparing to retire.

LeBron is being sued for $865.66 in a small claims court by a Lakers fan claiming that he was ‘duped’ by Bron’s ad

The fan says he bought 2 tickets to see Lakers vs. Cavs but when the decision was revealed to be an ad, ‘the tickets lost almost all their value’

(Via @TMZ_Sports) pic.twitter.com/6hUdK1E6LL

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 9, 2025

But instead of hanging up his sneakers, James revealed the big announcement to be part of a Hennessy cognac ad campaign a clever marketing twist inspired by his past decision special. The commercial drew massive attention but also left fans frustrated. “It felt like we were played,” wrote one angry supporter on social media.

Garcia’s lawsuit accuses LeBron of “fraud, deception, and misrepresentation,” claiming the tickets lost nearly all value once the reveal turned out to be an advertisement. While the legal claim might be small in monetary terms, it highlights how deeply fans are invested in James’s every move especially with him nearing the end of his legendary career.

At 40 and in his 22nd NBA season, retirement talks surround James constantly. Though he’s remained silent about the lawsuit, one thing’s for sure.

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