Overview

• On First Take, Smith labeled the spot “corny” and “cringy” and said that if LeBron James “plays like garbage” in key moments he would wonder whether James had been drinking before a game.
• James had teased a “Second Decision,” triggering retirement speculation before unveiling a Hennessy endorsement tied to the campaign.
• Fan reaction skewed negative, with many accusing James of misleading them to boost a liquor promotion.
• Some former players and commentators defended the tactic, with Kendrick Perkins, Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye praising its reach, while Nick Young compared it to Snoop Dogg’s faux no-smoking stunt.
• The commentary arrives after last season’s courtside confrontation over Bronny James, and one report says a glute nerve irritation kept James out of early preseason activity.