LeBron James turned heads during the Lakers’ recent game against the Hawks by pulling out his golf swing mid-contest, a moment that highlighted just how much the sport has captured his interest alongside his NBA career.
The moment came in a brief sideline clip that quickly spread across social platforms, showing the Lakers superstar taking practice golf swings while the NBA action unfolded on court.
Advertisement
It wasn’t just a snapshot of idle amusement; it was a reminder of how deeply golf has become part of James’ life, even while he remains one of the league’s most dominant players.
Off the court, golf has increasingly become a significant hobby for James, so much so that fans and peers alike have taken note of his dedication to the sport’s subtleties and mental challenge.

Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images
LeBron James practices his golf swing during Lakers vs Hawks matchup
A video circulating on X showed LeBron James practicing a golf swing on the sidelines during the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Atlanta Hawks, prompting reactions from fans and commentators alike.
Advertisement
The scene wasn’t a staged promo or a light-hearted moment off court. It was a real glimpse into how James carries his passion for golf into live NBA settings, using breaks in action to tweak his posture and grip.
The clip underscored that his fascination with the sport isn’t limited to the offseason or casual play, but part of his daily mindset.
For a player with one of the greatest basketball resumes in history, the act suggested something deeper: golf isn’t just a hobby for James, it’s a genuine pursuit of personal challenge and mastery that he embraces even amidst his commitments on the hardwood.
Moments like these have sparked conversations about where his focus lies as his career continues into its later stages.
Advertisement
LeBron James’ growing love for golf is backed by recent trends
Beyond that Hawks sideline moment, LeBron’s interest in golf has been well documented over the past year.
He’s shared clips and photos of himself on the golf course, showing off new swings and embracing the sport’s mental demands in his downtime.
Golf insiders and fellow athletes have weighed in on his progress and potential, with some even offering tips on swing mechanics.
LeBron himself has described golf as a mentally tough challenge and a retreat from the nonstop pace of NBA life. The contrast between golf’s quiet precision and basketball’s physical intensity seems to appeal to him: a way to unwind, focus, and compete in a very different arena.
Advertisement
This growing passion doesn’t mean basketball is taking a back seat. Instead, it shows how James is balancing elite athletic commitment with a sport that demands patience and finesse, qualities that don’t come easily, even for all-time greats.
Whether golf eventually becomes part of his post-NBA identity, moments like the Hawks golf swing offer a fascinating look at where his head and heart are off the court.