Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has recently taken up golf as a new sport, sharing his progress on social media. As he approaches the later stages of his NBA career, the 40-year-old is exploring golf, a challenging game even for top athletes, marking a fresh chapter in his athletic pursuits.

Early Impressions and Support from Steph Curry

On the Fourth of July, James posted videos showing his drives on what he called only his second official day of trying golf. Despite being new to the sport, his swings were impressive, especially since he played from the professional tees rather than the men’s tees. His efforts quickly drew praise from Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry, who welcomed him to golf, writing,

“Welcome, We’ve been waiting for you.”

—Steph Curry, NBA Player

Golfing Legends and Potential Future Challenges

Though James is often compared to basketball legend Michael Jordan, it may be some time before he competes with Jordan on the golf course. Jordan, famous for playing up to 36 holes on game days during his basketball career, maintains a low single-digit handicap, highlighting his prowess on the green. Meanwhile, James’ enthusiasm for golf is generating curiosity about when he might test his skills in an official event.

Possible Participation in The Memorial Tournament

One notable golf event, The Memorial Tournament held annually in James’ home state of Ohio, responded to his social media post by inviting him to join the tournament’s pro-am in 2026. This hints at a potential new avenue for James to engage with the sport competitively while maintaining his focus on basketball.

Looking Ahead: Balancing New Interests with an NBA Legacy

As LeBron James prepares for what will be his record 23rd NBA season, he seems content to develop his golf skills alongside his ongoing basketball career. His interest in golf not only reflects his competitive spirit but also suggests a promising new hobby that may become a significant part of his life after basketball.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Does LeBron James sleep 12 hours?

A. Professional athletes use more energy than most people, so they often sleep more than the standard 8 hours. LeBron James sleeps about 12 hours each night. This is notable because top athletes often travel for games, which can make sleeping difficult.