LeBron James, entering the twilight of his legendary career, may be preparing for life after basketball as recent reports about a high-end golf simulator in his home have sparked speculation that James could pursue golf post-retirement.
The 41-year-old Lakers star is in his 23rd NBA season, averaging 20.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. Despite his age, he remains a key contributor as the Lakers navigate a challenging season in the Western Conference.
James shared his excitement on social media, giving a shoutout to the simulator’s provider, Full Swing Golf, an officially licensed PGA Tour simulator. “MAJOR S/O @FullSwingGolf for the setup! Absolutely LOVE IT! Thank you,” he wrote.
The simulator allows James to practice golf without leaving home and reinforces his long-standing interest in the sport. Whether this hobby eventually becomes a full-time pursuit remains uncertain, but fans are already imagining him competing like Tiger Woods.
And Rich Paul, James‘ agent and Klutch Sports founder, discussed the setup during the Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman. He noted the simulator’s quality was so impressive it even made him reconsider buying his own.
“(LeBron James) has a beautiful simulator in his house,” Paul revealed. “Why would I have a simulator in my house when this guy spent top dollar on his simulator? Here’s the thing, I can also play it in his house and I don’t need him to be there so I save money.”
Fans reacted quickly online, comparing James to Michael Jordan, who famously pursued baseball, and Steph Curry, another NBA player with a passion for golf. Many suggested that James‘ investment signals he’s preparing for a retirement pivot.
One user wrote, speculatively, “What if LeBron turns out to be like Tiger Woods level (exaggerating) golfer and competes competitively for the next 10-15 years. Wouldn’t that be insane ! That would s**t in MJ‘s baseball career.”
LeBron stars as Lakers edge out Grizzlies
The Lakers entered their Friday matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies after a tough December stretch, going 5-7 in the month following a 15-4 start whilst Memphis came in with a mixed record, winning nine of their previous 13 games.
But LA were fast out of the blocks and led at the end of the first quarter for only the second time in their last 11 games.
After a 39-31 start to the second period, the Lakers went cold, allowing 18 unanswered points and temporarily losing control of the game but the first-half lead of 66-60 slipped away by the third quarter, with the Lakers trailing 110-109 midway through the fourth.
They then went on a decisive 12-2 run to secure a 128-121 victory over the Grizzlies. Defensively, the Lakers struggled, allowing 18 fast-break points and committing 20 turnovers, giving Memphis 27 points.
The Lakers, however, compensated by outrebounding Memphis by eight and shooting 58.4% from the field versus 47.9% for the Grizzlies. LeBron started slow with three first-quarter turnovers but he came good, recovered, and scored 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting by halftime.
He finished with 31 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, stabilizing the Lakers‘ offense throughout the contest.
Meanwhile Luka Doncic struggled early, shooting 2-of-8 and missing all four first-half three-point attempts. He recovered in the second half, finishing 8-of-18 from the field with 34 points, six rebounds, and eight assists.
Making 17 of 20 free throws but only one three-pointer, he and the Lakers hope this win builds momentum as they face Memphis again on January 4.
Read the full article here
