Overview

• Los Angeles fan Andrew Garcia filed a small claims case alleging LeBron James misled viewers with a viral teaser he believed signaled retirement.
• Garcia seeks $865.66 after buying two tickets at $432.83 each for the March 31, 2026 Lakers–Cavaliers game he thought could be James’ final matchup with Cleveland.
• The complaint cites fraud, deception and misrepresentation, arguing the phrasing of the teaser induced purchases that lost value once the promotion was clarified.
• The teaser echoed the buildup of James’ 2010 ESPN special before the next-day reveal showed it was a Hennessy advertisement, drawing online backlash.
• Outlets reported that Lakers ticket prices spiked following the teaser, and this case is the first known legal action tied to the campaign.