It’s official: LeBron James no longer is the leader of the Los Angeles Lakers.

He announced it indirectly when, by teasing a major announcement, he suckered people into watching an online spot announcing a partnership with Hennessy Cognac on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

The Lakers are building around Luka Doncic, and it’s a good bet he won’t be partnering with a liquor company anytime soon – or misleading fans into hearing more about an endorsement deal.

And here’s the real deal: At 40, as James prepares for his 23rd NBA season and with retirement looming, he’s relinquished his role as team leader and jeopardized his GOAT status.

Can you imagine Michael Jordan having pulled a similar stunt before retiring from the NBA? Who’s the GOAT remains an unresolved debate. But who’s the tackiest? It’s James in a landside.

So much for learning from history when it comes to misguided decisions.

First, there was "The Decision," when in 2010 James announced during a TV special broadcast by ESPN that he was "taking his talents" to South Beach. It was a regrettable way to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat.

But he was 25, and you could forgive the clunky, ill-advised decision on James’ youth. But now what?

Did James oversample the new Hennessy collector’s limited edition for which he’ll get paid an undisclosed amount? Where were his buddies Maverick Carter and Rich Paul to intervene? Who knows, but James must accept full responsibility.

Before we got full pinata on James, let’s take full stock. He is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. A four-time NBA champion. A four-time league MVP.

Not to mention his off-the-court accomplishments. Starting I Promise School, a public school in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. Starting "More Than a Vote," an organization designed to mobilize voters and combat voter suppression during the 2020 presidential election. Speaking out, rather than listening, to the critics who told him to shut up and dribble.

All of which demonstrates the Hennessy stunt was beneath him, and why there should be a Third Decision – one in which James apologizes for the Second Decision.

Regardless, it's clearly time for Doncic to lead.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LeBron James undermines his leadership with 'Second Decision' stunt

Reporting by Josh Peter, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect