LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, has taken up golf during the NBA offseason, drawing both intrigue and criticism from fans. The four-time NBA champion shared clips online of his early attempts at the sport, prompting strong reactions about his golf swing, with many insisting he should focus on basketball.
LeBron’s Growing Interest in Golf Amid Offseason
As the NBA players look for ways to stay active during the offseason, LeBron James has decided to try golf, a sport increasingly popular among professional athletes. James is relatively new to the game compared to his career rival Stephen Curry, who is well known for his golfing skills and has impressed fans with his competence on the course.
On Friday, James posted Instagram videos highlighting his second day learning golf, capturing moments of him swinging the club and adjusting to the sport’s techniques. His enthusiasm was evident, even as he acknowledged there was room for improvement.
Stephen Curry responded to James’ golfing debut by welcoming him warmly. The Golden State Warriors guard commented,
“Welcome. We’ve been waiting for you,”
signaling camaraderie among NBA stars who also enjoy golf.
Golf Fans Clamor Over LeBron’s Swing With Mixed Reactions
While many applauded James’ choice to diversify his athletic interests, his golf swing quickly became a target for harsh critiques. After taking a tee shot with his driver, LeBron’s excitement was clear, but golf enthusiasts on social media, mainly on X, ridiculed his form and technique.
Fans did not hesitate to share their unfiltered opinions, with some bluntly advising James to concentrate on basketball. Comparisons to Michael Jordan, who had a better reputation on the golf course, also surfaced among commenters.
Reactions from fans ranged from humorous to brutal, including comments such as
“He needs to stick to basketball,”
and
“Gosh even Barkley would laugh at this one.”
Others expressed disbelief, remarking that greatness in one sport doesn’t necessarily translate to another, while some harshly dismissed his efforts by labeling them embarrassing or a joke.
Despite the backlash, experts note that golf is notoriously difficult to master, and James’ progress may take time as he adapts to the sport’s unique demands.
LeBron’s Golf Playing Fuels Retirement Speculation
LeBron James’ venture into golf has also sparked wide-ranging speculation about his future in the NBA. Known primarily for his on-court dominance, the 40-year-old forward was seen stepping onto the golf fairways just weeks after his team’s early playoff exit.
Earlier this year, James endured an MCL injury during the playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which ended with the Lakers’ first-round elimination. Despite this, James exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, ensuring he will play a 23rd NBA season, a league first.
With age advancing and his recent focus on golf, fans on social media are expressing growing concern that James might be preparing for life beyond basketball.
Throughout his illustrious career, James has been a 21-time NBA All-Star and earned four championship titles, winning with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers. He has also secured four NBA Finals MVP awards, underlining his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest players. Additionally, he holds the record as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 42,184 points.
The Broader Impact of LeBron’s Offseason Activities
LeBron James’ public embrace of golf highlights the varied interests professional athletes pursue outside their primary sports, sometimes igniting passionate discussions among fans. His swing’s widespread critique illustrates the intense scrutiny that comes with being a public figure, especially one as prominent as James.
As James continues to refine his skills, the intersection between athletic rivalry and camaraderie is evident, especially with players like Stephen Curry encouraging his foray into golf. Meanwhile, the retirement rumors, stoked by James’ offseason activities and age, add to the ongoing narrative about the concluding chapters of an exceptional NBA career.
Despite the mixed responses, James’ exploration of golf is unlikely to detract from his on-court focus, especially with another season ahead. Still, the golf swing backlash and retirement discussions are proof that any change by a player of his stature is closely watched and widely debated.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does LeBron James sleep 12 hours?
A. LeBron sleeps about 12 hours per day, splitting it into 8-9 hours at night and a three-hour nap in the afternoon. He explained that although this might seem unusual, he’s consistently napped nearly every day during his 13-year career, especially on game days.