The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2024–25 season has long come to a disappointing end, but that hasn’t stopped LeBron James from being the talk of the NBA world. Ever since ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on June 29 that James had exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season, speculation about his future with the franchise has only intensified.
According to Charania, James’s agent Rich Paul made it clear that James is fully locked in on chasing his fifth NBA championship which has given rise to rumors that the 21-time All-Star may be seeking a move to a team better positioned to deliver him another ring.
But while the trade buzz continues to grow, James is now making headlines for a completely different reason this week.
LeBron James Became the Talk of the Town for His Antics During Golfing
James recently took to his Instagram to post a series of videos showcasing his swing during a day out on the golf course. While fans were quick to notice that his form was far from PGA Tour-worthy, the internet erupted over one particular clip where James makes a shot and immediately starts talking trash.
While many fans have been quick to criticize his golf form and technique, James was ready with a response. The four-time NBA champion clarified in the caption that it was only his second-day attempting professional golf.
“Day 2 of officially trying this ⛳️🏌🏾 out! Boy o Boy it’s a mind f**k to say the least!,” said a part of the caption.
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Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the King has made golf-related headlines this year. Just last month, James was spotted at the luxurious Wailea Golf Club in Maui, Hawaii, enjoying a vacation with his family. Among the group was none other than Bronny James’s rumored girlfriend, Parker Whitefield, who added even more intrigue to the family outing.
But golf outings and viral videos aside, the bigger question surrounding James remains. Will he stay with the Lakers?
Ever since Charania’s report, speculation about James’s future in L.A. has been steadily heating up. The speculation grew louder when Brian Windhorst of ESPN said that the Lakers may now view James as an “expiring contract.”
In simpler terms, the Lakers may be weighing their options, wondering whether keeping James is still in their long-term plans or whether his value might be better realized in a blockbuster trade.
James put up an impressive 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game this past season and led the Lakers to a (50-32) record. Despite those efforts, the team fell flat in the postseason and suffered a first-round exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 4-1 series defeat.
What happens next in his storied career remains to be seen, but if his recent golf videos are any indication James will continue to entertain and surprise fans regardless of which sport he’s playing.
