LeBron James has spent two decades making basketball look familiar, but his newest sporting obsession has made him look like a beginner again.
Golf has become part of James’ public life, turning quiet rounds into viral moments and giving fans a different view of the Lakers’ star.
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That bond has made headlines, including the strange moment when an alligator appeared near a ball he had sent into water and when his swing has drawn criticism online.
And his increasing interest in golf became a talking point inside the Lakers locker room.
The Lakers found a running joke in LeBron James’ golf obsession
Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
The Athletic reported that a running joke inside the Lakers locker room this season was to ask James where and when his next tee time was booked.
The reason was simple. James had become so invested in golf that he often had 18 holes arranged before noon.
It became easy locker-room material because teammates could see golf had moved from casual interest into a daily part of his routine.
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That was clear last April, when James was spotted playing alongside Bronny James in a Dallas club two days before the Lakers faced the Mavericks.
For the 41-year-old, golf offers something basketball cannot: competition without the physical demands, public burden or championship pressure that have defined his NBA life.
That could matter whenever retirement arrives, as stepping away from elite competition will not be simple for a four-time NBA champion.
Golf can soften that transition. It gives James a scoring system, a personal challenge and a reason to keep chasing improvement without needing an arena.
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