As he is set to miss the next few weeks due to injury, LA Lakers superstar and four-time NBA champion LeBron James just got mocked by a media member. On Thursday, Oct. 9, reports surfaced that James will not suit up for the 2025-26 NBA season opener, as he is dealing with sciatica.
Speaking with fellow reporter Christine Williamson on SportsCenter, ESPN reporter Matt Barrie mocked James, alluding to his recent viral advertisement. Barrie sarcastically said that James can probably use a bit of Hennessy, the famous Cognac that James advertised, to heal his injury.
ESPN reporter Matt Barrie on LeBron’s injury:
“I have an idea, maybe he can rub some Hennessy on it and everything will be fine.”
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24, @Fullcourtpass) pic.twitter.com/0bDUWty7FL
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 9, 2025
The reason for Barrie’s comment likely stems from James allegedly poking fun at the sports world when he revealed his advertisement for Hennessy. On Monday, Oct. 6, James posted a video that teased “The Second Decision,” reminiscent of “The Decision” when James announced that he was going to play for the Miami Heat after his first Cleveland Cavaliers tenure in 2010.
Meanwhile, the entire sports world, from fans, spectators, and even athletes, posted their reactions on social media, speculating what James could be announcing. Reactions included retirement talks, him playing out his last year, and even potentially transferring to a new team by next year, given that he is in the final season of his current Lakers contract.
As it turns out, the video was just a promotion for Hennessy, which James uploaded to his Instagram account the next day. The advertisement includes his collaborative bottle with Hennessy, being the VSOP with his own custom-made bottle and label. Both James and Hennessy have since garnered mixed reactions over the spiel.
Also Read: “I’m Going to Kick His A**”: LeBron James Responds to $450 Million Worth Hollywood Star’s Open Challenge
LeBron James Will Miss Season Opener Against Rival Stephen Curry And The Golden State Warriors
Unfortunately for basketball fans worldwide, LeBron James will likely miss the entire 2025-26 NBA preseason, as well as the campaign opener against his rival Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
James and Curry, despite being close friends outside of basketball, had several league-defining battles in the 2010s on the NBA Finals stage. James’ next opportunity to match up against the Warriors is on Feb. 7.
Read More: “No Faith in His Own Son”: Fans React As LeBron James Makes Judgment on Bryce James’ NBA Future
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