Bronny James appears to be enjoying his early offseason after a productive close to his sophomore NBA campaign.
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers guard shared a clip of his golf swing on his Instagram stories, with his unexpectedly strong form triggering disbelief across the sports world and catching the eye of professional golfer Michael Kim.
Bronny James Impresses Michael Kim, Sports World With Surprisingly Polished Golf Swing
Fresh off a decisive second-round playoff exit, much of the discussion surrounding the Lakers has centered on LeBron James’ uncertain NBA future.
As Bronny awaits his father’s next move in free agency, he appears to have embraced one of LeBron’s favorite pastimes. The 21-year-old showcased his powerful swing on the golf course on Wednesday, with reactions pouring in praising his mechanics, especially for someone who has reportedly been playing the sport for less than a year.
Bronny James has been playing golf for less than a year… thought on his swing? 🏌️⛹🏿♂️
(Via: bronny/IG) pic.twitter.com/FqaeSDd1md
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) May 20, 2026
“It’s time, Bronny!!!! That swing is insane!!! GO PRO,” former NBA star Brandon Jennings urged the Lakers reserve.
It’s time bronny!!!!
That swing is insane!!! GO PRO https://t.co/4OU53DmL5s
— Brandon Jennings (@Tuff__Crowd) May 21, 2026
“Very good swing for an amateur golfer,” Yahoo Sports’ Dan Wolken remarked.
Very good swing for an amateur golfer https://t.co/nzs6MXYxhr
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) May 21, 2026
“People play for decades and never look this smooth,” Barstool Sports’ Connor Crehan noted.
People play for decades and never look this smooth https://t.co/JqxLOpg5YH
— Cons (@CaptainCons) May 20, 2026
“Is this AI bc WTF?! Contact sounds like Rory [McIlroy],” golf podcaster Kenny Kim reacted in astonishment.
Is this AI bc WTF?!
Contact sounds like Rory… https://t.co/bI4iGgPfyA
— Kenny Kim (@KendoVT) May 20, 2026
“Shockingly good swing for less than a year of playing (so good idk if I even buy that). Needs to sort out his grip and turn the hips a bit more in the backswing, but I envy the balance and posture he has through the finish,” Atlanta Falcons reporter Joe Patrick analyzed Bronny’s form.
Shockingly good swing for less than a year of playing (so good idk if I even buy that). Needs to sort out his grip and turn the hips a bit more in the backswing, but I envy the balance and posture he has through the finish. https://t.co/WKNDEtUrfu
— Joe Patrick (@JoePatrick) May 20, 2026
“Still has 3 more years left @USCMensGolf 🤔,” Bronny’s alma mater, the University of Southern California, quipped.
Still has 3 more years left @USCMensGolf 🤔 https://t.co/rHZye5cNtx
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) May 21, 2026
Meanwhile, several reactions declared Bronny’s swing superior to his father’s. Earlier this season, LeBron, 41, shared that he took up golf after turning 40 as part of a challenge to try something that made him feel “uncomfortable” and that he’d “never done” before.
As for Michael Kim, who boasts one PGA Tour victory, he offered a far more measured assessment of Bronny’s golf ability, writing, “Damnnn. Slightly over the top, but a really solid swing.”
Damnnn. Slightly over the top but a really solid swing
— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) May 20, 2026
While Bronny is considered a relatively undersized NBA guard at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, he possesses more than enough size and power for the golf course, with plenty of time for development.
Over 42 regular-season outings in Year 2 with LA, the 2024 No. 55 draft pick averaged 2.9 points, 0.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.5 steals, shooting 40.9% overall and 38.6% from 3-point range across 8.9 minutes per game.
