While his illustrious NBA career isn`t over just yet, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has decided to pick up a new sport. The 40-year-old recently announced on social media that he`s started playing golf, a sport known for its difficulty, even for elite athletes.
On the Fourth of July, James shared videos showcasing his golf swing, mentioning it was only his second official day attempting the sport. Despite his beginner status, his drives appeared promising. Notably, he was hitting from the professional tees, rather than the standard men`s tees.
James` post quickly garnered attention, including a response from Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry. Curry, an accomplished golfer and winner of the 2023 American Century Championship, welcomed James to the sport, commenting, “Welcome. We`ve been waiting for you.”
LeBron`s NBA career often draws comparisons to Michael Jordan, but it will likely be some time before they face off on the golf course. Jordan was known for frequently playing golf, even on game days during his NBA career, and maintains a low single-digit handicap.
It will be interesting to see if James eventually tests his skills in a competitive golf setting. The Memorial Tournament, held annually in his home state of Ohio, even replied to his post, extending an invitation for him to play in their 2026 pro-am event.
For now, James appears focused on practicing his new golf hobby while simultaneously preparing for what will be a record-setting 23rd season in the NBA.
Jasper Hawthorne