Luka Doncic is already one of the biggest stars in the NBA, but outside basketball, the Los Angeles Lakers have developed another obsession: golf.
Speaking with the Golf Channel during The Open Championship, Doncic revealed that LeBron James and Austin Reaves played a major role in the sport becoming a daily passion.
Asked whether it was LeBron or Reaves who got him into golf, Doncic credited both before explaining how everything began.
“Yeah, he’s a plus-two. He’s okay. But I just went to Topgolf once, and then I just started playing. For me, it’s very relaxing, and that’s where I started. Obviously, Austin and LeBron were playing, so that helped me.”
A visit to Topgolf quickly transformed into a serious hobby for Luka. He admitted that he is addicted and wants to play every day and sometimes spends entire days on the course.
“It’s very addicting. Now I want to play it every day. There’s a lot of times I do 36 holes, so it’s eight hours.”
The Slovenian star also explained why golf has captured his attention. Unlike basketball, where teammates can help cover some weaknesses, golf is a game where every shot entirely depends on the individual. And there is a mental side to the game as well.
“This is a game where you don’t have any teammates to bail you out. Golf is way more difficult. I mean, for me, it is.”
“Patience, I think, and mental stuff. Every shot matters. Mentally being patient is the key.”
According to Doncic, he first got serious about golf during a Lakers team outing organized by head coach JJ Redick. LeBron, Reaves, Bronny James, and other teammates attended that trip as Doncic got his first taste of the sport.
That hobby has become an escape during the offseason. Basketball places constant physical and mental demands on players, but golf offers a different challenge that has attracted many NBA stars. LeBron himself got addicted to the game last year and has been constantly spending time on the course whenever he gets the chance. Reaves has earned the reputation as one of the league’s best golfers.
And now Doncic has joined that club as well.
As Luka gets ready for his first season after LeBron’s exit, Doncic has found the perfect offseason routine. Whether it’s improving his swing with tips from Reaves or just having a relaxing day on the course, golf has become an important part of the Lakers superstar’s life.
