LeBron James Reveals Two Things He'd 'Never Done' Before Turning 40
At 41 years old, LeBron James is still dominating the NBA. But, regardless of his impressive stats, he can't play in the league forever, which is why he's decided to take on some new hobbies.
While talking to reporters after the Lakers' 120-101 win over the Washington Wizards on Monday night, James opened up about his newfound love for golf.
LeBron's Favorite New Hobby
Fans who keep up with the star know that he's become somewhat obsessed with the sport in recent months, which might make the fact that he actually didn't play until last year even more surprising. He also mentioned another activity he wants to master now that he's getting older: Chess.
"I told myself when I turned 40 that I wanted to do something that was maybe uncomfortable or never done in my life before," the NBA's all-time leading scorer told Melissa Rohlin of The California Post. "I never played golf in my life before, never followed the sport really. When I turned 40, I said it was that and chess; I've never played chess as well. So that will be next, but right now, I'm locked in on golf."
LeBron James on when he started golfing and why he loves it pic.twitter.com/dOevxSbfef
— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) March 31, 2026
LeBron continued, "It's something that I've really put a lot of time in. I love the sport, appreciate the sport. I love how difficult it is; I love a challenge. So, I look forward to putting more work in over the course of however long it takes me. But right now, I'm having a hell of a time playing."
Now in his 23rd NBA season, James is still one of the top players in the league. The Akron, OH native scored a triple-double in Monday's win with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists.
All of the Lakers Are Getting On Board
Golf seems to have a lot to do with the the Lakers' chemistry on the court, too. The Los Angeles team recently had a players vs. coaches battle on the links during a road trip to Orlando, and James said he was more than pleased with the results.
"For us, we have a lot of golfers on our team," James said. "The best thing about what we did in Orlando was that we beat the s**t out of the coaches. That was great."
LeBron's longtime teammate, Austin Reaves, couldn't be happier that the rest of the team is into golf now, previously being the only one who played during his downtime.
Austin said he let Luka win in golf so he would be confident for the game ????
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) March 26, 2026
X/@LALMuse pic.twitter.com/B9GCAQoHxu
"Just seeing how much these guys enjoy the game now, it actually means a lot to me because they gave me s**t for forever about playing," Reaves told reporters after Friday’s win over the Nets. "So, I’m glad that they’re addicted.”