Early in July, LeBron James shared a video of himself swinging a driver on the golf course, drawing attention to a new phase as he approaches age 41. The clip captured James’ raw enthusiasm and dedication to developing his golf game, signaling a potential shift in focus as his basketball career winds down.
Stephen Curry, an accomplished golfer in his own right, was quick to respond. The Golden State Warriors star penned a six-word message that has drawn significant attention across the sports world, highlighting the bond between two legendary athletes who have defined NBA excellence for over a decade.
Curry’s Welcome Reflects Deeper Athletic Brotherhood
Curry has recently responded to James’ Instagram post with a short but meaningful message. He commented on a video showing the Lakers star taking practice swings, acknowledging James’ growing interest in golf and subtly welcoming him into the sport’s community with characteristic warmth.
Curry posted the message directly on Instagram in response to James’ golf swing video, which ClutchPoints highlighted on July 4. The two-time MVP wrote, “Welcome. We’ve been waiting for you.” Curry’s remark carried a mix of humor and approval, signaling both encouragement and friendship as James steps into the golf scene more publicly.
“Welcome. We’ve been waiting for you 🙌”
Steph Curry welcomes LeBron James to the golfing community 😂
(via @KingJames /IG) https://t.co/rkJ7mbm5ta pic.twitter.com/yHGQB5cUlO— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 4, 2025
Their exchange builds on a shared history beyond the court that spans championship battles and Olympic teamwork. Both players have excelled in basketball, with James just beginning his journey in golf while Curry has already established himself as a legitimate competitor.
Curry won the American Century Championship in 2023, sinking a dramatic eagle and recording a rare hole-in-one that demonstrated his advanced skill level.
Curry’s return to Tahoe from July 11-13 at the 2025 American Century Championship adds extra context to this friendly rivalry. The tournament lineup, featuring Curry, his father Dell and brother Seth, sets the stage for a potential showdown should James accelerate his golf progress and decide to compete.
Golf Represents New Chapter in Legendary Careers
In an interview with Pro Football Network, Dell was asked about Curry missing last year’s tournament. He said, noting his son’s passion for golfing, “He missed last year because of the Olympics and won it the year before, so it’s a tournament that he absolutely loves to play in, and I don’t foresee him missing another tournament because of his schedule.”
When talking about how they bond through golf, Dell added, “Golf is just where we spend and enjoy most of our time together.”
Curry has a deep love for golf that extends beyond casual recreation. He only missed the tournament due to Olympic commitments, but it’s clear how much the event means to him, as he doesn’t plan to miss it again.
From a statistical perspective, Curry’s accomplishments on the green are impressive and demonstrate serious commitment to the sport. His 2023 tournament performance included a 0.1 handicap and the first hole-in-one on the course’s iconic seventh hole, a feat matched only by top amateur golfers.
James’ swing remains in the early stages compared to Curry’s polished technique. He posted footage on Instagram showing a solid but unrefined driver swing that suggests natural athleticism but limited technical refinement. Critics noted room for improvement if he hopes to match Curry or compete in the high-pressure environment of a celebrity tournament.
If James takes part from July 11-13, expect headlines featuring both Warriors royalty and Lakers icon in a friendly rivalry shifted to the green. That six-word greeting may become the prelude to a memorable chapter in their shared sporting legacy, one that extends their competitive relationship into a new arena where mutual respect can flourish without the intensity of playoff battles.