LeBron James is entering the 23rd season of his NBA career; now single-handedly holding the record for the most seasons anyone has played in the NBA. He picked up his $52.6 million player option with the Lakers but could potentially be traded to another team as he reportedly ‘drifts apart’ from the Lakers’ front office.
Amid all the speculations, James posted multiple videos in a single post on Instagram that showed him learning a new sport this summer: golf. He is on ‘Day 2’ of what seems to be a multiple-day plan to learn how to play golf.
“Day 2 of officially trying this ⛳️ out! Boy o Boy it’s a mind fuck to say the least! But I think I enjoy that part of it a lot! Haha! ♂️. Got a long ass way to go at this sport and I’ll still be some but hey it’s a great time out there! @teamswish asked me for a vid, so here you go, my guy! Slide 4 is so funny to me! @siancotton_ @rometrav @ernieramos @chillwill03 @smallzthevillain when we going back out there?? LET’S GO!!!” read James’ caption on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/p:DLsQI1QOpTa
His former teammate and close friend, Kevin Love, went in the comment section and trolled James for what seemed to be an easy golf course for beginners.
“Who created that course…Moses? If that isn’t the most open f***ing fairway I’ve ever seen.”
His struggles and demeanor while playing had his fans coming to a bittersweet realization on social media. They felt that the 40-year-old is now picking up what is considered to be a retired person’s sport. James’ fans took to social media and expressed their worries over the painful truth that James is nearing his imminent retirement.
“The end is near.”
“Bro, getting ready for retirement.”
“Yeah, this is bro’s last lap “
“This is really officially the start to the final chapter of the NBA Career ♂️”
“We are definitely in retirement mode!”
“This is that ‘I’m getting ready for retirement’ sport “
Various such comments flooded James’ post. While James has crossed all expectations of longevity in the league, he is bound to retire someday. Reports still speculate that James may not even retire after the 2025-26 season.
LeBron James, NBA Players, And Golf
This is not the first time James has tried playing golf. The previously viral attempt he had at golfing was at Topgolf, where he seemingly struggled to make contact with the ball on his drive.
https://www.instagram.com/p/reel:CjYJTBQADpN
James has definitely improved now, as compared to back in 2022 when this video went viral. Now that his wife reportedly wants him to retire soon, it seems that James might be trying to pick up a new hobby to indulge in after retirement. Heading into what could be the final season of his NBA career, James is making sure to relax as much as possible in the offseason before trying to compete for a championship.
James is not the first NBA player to take up golf as a hobby. Retired and active players like Michael Jordan, Stephen Curry, Dwyane Wade, Charles Barkley, Klay Thompson, Austin Reaves, and Zach LaVine also play golf. Maybe some day we’ll see an exciting event featuring all these NBA players competing in golf.
