LeBron James, the legendary Los Angeles Lakers forward, has recently taken up golf, joining the ranks of many athletes who enjoy the sport during their offseasons. The 40-year-old superstar was recently seen hitting the links with his son, Bronny James, which has sparked a newfound passion for the game. His social media accounts have showcased his practice sessions at various golf courses, indicating that this hobby might be more than just a fleeting interest.
However, not everyone has been impressed with LeBron’s early attempts at golf. NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, former wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, and ex-NBA player Joe Johnson shared some light-hearted banter about LeBron’s golf swing during an episode of their show, Nightcap. A clip of LeBron’s swing went viral, with the trio humorously critiquing his form, describing it as “stiff” and “robotic.” Johnson even joked that Bronny should consider booking his dad a golf lesson.
Despite the playful ribbing, Joe Johnson offered a glimmer of hope, saying, “He’s going to be alright, though. Just keep working.”
In addition to the NFL legends, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, a passionate golfer himself, joined in on the fun. He playfully mimicked LeBron’s swing in a video, welcoming him to the golf community with a lighthearted quip: “The game needs you, big fella.”
PGA Tour pro Jordan Spieth took a more analytical approach, watching the footage and providing constructive feedback. He pointed out LeBron’s limited wrist flexibility and backswing, confidently asserting that with a few adjustments, LeBron could easily add “30 yards in 30 minutes.”
As expected, social media erupted with reactions to LeBron’s swing. Some fans humorously compared it to Charles Barkley’s famously awkward golf form, while others found the clip to be a “visual headache.” While some comments were critical, most were playful, reflecting the lighthearted nature of the conversation.
Amidst the jokes and critiques, LeBron appears to be unfazed. Reports indicate that he has been diligently practicing, even in less-than-ideal weather conditions, describing golf as “addictive.” His commitment to improving his game mirrors the same work ethic that has made him one of basketball’s all-time greats.
While he may not be ready for the PGA Tour just yet, LeBron’s entry into the world of golf is met with both humor and respect. If his history of overcoming challenges is any indication, fans can expect him to tackle this new endeavor head-on and potentially surprise everyone with his progress. As LeBron continues to refine his swing, the basketball community—and now the golf community—will be watching closely.