Senior ESPN insider Adam Schefter has offered an interesting reason why the Miami Heat should not be ruled out of the LeBron James sweepstakes just yet. While most of the NBA world has focused on championship windows and roster construction, Schefter believes another factor could play an important role in LeBron’s decisions: golf.
Speaking on 97.5 The Fanatic Radio, Schefter admitted that Miami remains his prediction, even as the Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as the favorites.
“I still think he’s going to end up in Miami. That’s my guess. Just a guess. At the start of free agency, somebody texted me and said, ‘You might want to look into LeBron and Miami right away.’ I thought, ‘Okay, that’s interesting.’ That has stuck with me ever since. I’ve wondered if that person is going to end up being right. There’s something else that I don’t think should be underestimated, and I think people are overlooking it.”
“LeBron has become a golf fanatic. He’s absolutely obsessed with it. So where can he play golf all the time? Miami. At this point, it feels like it’s either Cleveland or Miami. And honestly, every time I’m on social media, he’s either playing golf or watching golf. That’s been the case for the last year or so. If that’s become such a big part of his life, where can he do the most of it? Miami.”
It’s rather an underrated point. Over the last year, LeBron has completely fallen in love with golf. Whether it’s the offseason, team outings, or spending time with his son, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer has been spotted on the golf course. He has played with former teammates, enjoyed a Lakers team trip last season, and was even spotted playing during the Cavaliers’ reunion vacation in Europe. Bronny James is also a keen golfer, and the duo can be seen around golf courses across the country.
Rich Paul has hinted that LeBron also has a state-of-the-art golf simulator in his home, showing how much he has invested in his new hobby.
From a lifestyle point of view, Miami is the place to beat.
South Florida offers year-round golfing weather, allowing golfers to tee it up every month of the year. The region is also home to several of America’s top golf courses, including Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster, Indian Creek Country Club, La Gorce Country Club, The Biltmore Golf Course, and elite clubs such as Seminole Golf Club and Jupiter Hills.
Cleveland is not far behind, as the city offers great golf courses as well, especially in LeBron’s hometown of Akron. Firestone Country Club is one of the most iconic championship venues, and LeBron reportedly became a member recently. Cleveland also hosts Canterbury Golf Club, The Country Club at Pepper Pike, Sleepy Hollow Golf Course, and Sand Ridge Golf Club.
But golf alone won’t determine where LeBron will finish his career.
Over the past week, every report suggests that the Cavaliers are the team to beat. NBA insider Brian Windhorst has suggested that rival teams around the league are losing hope of landing LeBron. But he also pointed out that executives are largely operating on vibes.
The Sixers remain an option, just as Bob Myers (President of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which operates the Philadelphia 76ers) made a public pitch to LeBron. The Warriors are also looking to make aggressive moves to lure LeBron, such as landing Anthony Davis. But the Washington Wizards’ asking price might have scared them off.
The Heat remain firmly in the conversation after their blockbuster move for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Some reports suggest Giannis wants LeBron to join Miami, and the team is also holding off on signing veteran free agents until a decision is made.
At the end of the day, a chance to compete for another title or two will certainly be the biggest factor in LeBron’s choice. But Schefter’s observation shouldn’t be dismissed either.
If LeBron truly has become obsessed with golf like Schefter suggests, Miami’s appeal is stronger than people realize.
