Overview

• On ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith labeled the spot “corny as hell” and “cringey” and said it made LeBron James look “thirsty for attention.”
• He added that if James “plays like garbage” when it counts, he would think about the Hennessy commercial and wonder if James had been drinking.
• Smith also linked his objection to wanting the Lakers in a Los Angeles Finals next June, suggesting the ad distracts from title goals.
• The Calmatic-directed video spoofed James’ 2010 special by teasing retirement before unveiling a limited-edition Hennessy collaboration.
• Fans on social platforms pushed back, defending James and calling out a double standard, as James stayed quiet beyond an Instagram story saying, “We just having fun with it.”