LeBron James, entering his 23rd NBA season in 2025-26, remains one of basketball’s most accomplished athletes, boasting 21 All-Star selections, four NBA championships, four MVP awards, and holding the NBA’s all-time scoring record. As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for the new season, James continues to perform at a high level while also attracting attention off the court for his developing interest in golf, particularly his distinctive LeBron James golf swing.
Despite ongoing speculation about his future with the Lakers amid the team’s focus on Luka Doncic, James has exercised his player option to stay with Los Angeles. Alongside his commitment to basketball, he is dedicating time to his new hobby, which has sparked viral interest among fans and fellow athletes alike.
The viral rise of LeBron’s golf swing and public reactions
The attention on LeBron‘s golf swing intensified after Kevin Love, James’ close friend and former teammate, shared videos on Instagram capturing moments from James’ golf sessions. In one particular clip, LeBron’s golf swing quickly became a hot topic online, inspiring a mix of admiration, humor, and debate among fans.
Social media users voiced contrasting opinions, with some praising the smoothness of his swing. One fan wrote,
“Bron’s swing is an absolute thing of beauty,”
while others were more critical, commenting,
“LeBron’s swing is the worst thing I’ve seen.”
Another follower noted,
“Lebron addicted to golf is real,”
highlighting the growing fascination with his golfing enthusiasm.
LeBron’s early golf moments draw attention from sports figures
James publicly revealed his golf journey in early July, posting videos that showcased his developing but still unpolished swing, which drew playful comparisons to NBA great Charles Barkley’s notoriously awkward golf style. The golfing community took note immediately. Former PGA Tour champion Jordan Spieth offered swing advice, and NBA star Stephen Curry created a comedic impression of James’ follow-through during the American Century Championship.
“unbelievable impersonation of my guy bron’s follow through in the golf swing. but we all want to welcome lebron james to the world of golf because the game needs you, big fella.” — nana, social media commentator
This lighthearted exchange added to the buzz around LeBron’s growing investment in golf as an offseason pursuit.
LeBron embraces golf despite challenges, signaling a new chapter
Since his initial postings, James has shared several clips of his ongoing golf practice, including footage from the Dominican Republic where he played under heavy rain. During this time, he openly admitted to developing a strong addiction to the sport, echoing a familiar journey followed by other NBA legends.
Like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Stephen Curry before him, LeBron appears to view golf not only as a competitive challenge but also as a lifestyle passion to complement his basketball career. Entering the latter stages of his time in the NBA, this new interest represents a thoughtful pivot to maintain competitive spirit and personal growth beyond basketball.
Golfing passion highlights LeBron’s commitment to lifelong challenges
LeBron James’ enthusiasm for golf provides fans and observers a glimpse of his dedication to embracing new challenges while continuing to perform at an elite level in the NBA. As he heads into a pivotal season with the Lakers and unprecedented pressure from team dynamics, his golf swing symbolizes a balancing act between present commitments and future pursuits.
His viral golf videos and evolving skill set suggest that James is serious about this hobby and may well follow in the footsteps of other great athletes who found renewed focus and joy in golf. This crossover interest could influence how both fans and athletes perceive athlete transitions and off-court passions moving forward.