From high school prodigy to global icon, from Cleveland to Miami to L.A., every chapter of his 23-year career has carried a new storyline, a fresh proving ground. LeBron James has dominated the NBA for over two decades, fresh off averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in 70 games last year. Whispers of tension swirled this offseason after the team traded for Luka Doncic in February, positioning the 26-year-old as the new franchise cornerstone. And a storm of Lakers exit rumors and endless speculation about his future, the 40-year-old All-Star has shifted his focus somewhere completely unexpected.

Those moves sparked endless speculation about James’ future in Los Angeles, from trade talks to buyout scenarios. Reports even linked him to teams like the Dallas Mavericks or Golden State Warriors, but insiders like Marc Stein and Kevin Gray Jr. shut down the chatter, confirming no discussions occurred. James exercised his $52.6 million player option in June, signaling commitment amid the noise.

During an appearance on 360 With Speedy, James opened up about the surprising challenge he’s poured himself into this offseason.“Uh, it’s hard as s—. Yeah, that’s exactly why, man. I wanted a challenge, man,” LeBron told host Speedy. “I like being uncomfortable, man. There’s something that’s—it’s fun, too.”

The conversation came after Speedy joked about LeBron’s stiff and very public golf swing,“I can rest well at night knowing that you’re a– at golf. The fact that you suck at golf right now makes me feel like, all right, he is actually—”. LeBron responded with, “For sure. For sure. Oh, I’m on my way, though. I’m on my way.”

For someone who’s spent two decades dominating one of the most competitive sports in the world, golf offers something basketball can’t: humility. And peace. “Golf is like one of the few places where I can go where I don’t get bothered as much,” LeBron said.

“You know, I can go out on the green, me and my friends, we go out, we don’t get bothered. The only time we get bothered is when we out there being shi— and the next group behind us is like, ‘Y’all need to hurry. Y’all need to hurry and f— up for sure.’” James’ focus is on a new challenge that he is uncomfortable with. Golf emerged as his offseason obsession, starting with a July 4 video of his rigid swing that drew laughs and comparisons to Charles Barkley’s form. Clips spread across social media, showing James hitting shots in Northeast Ohio, then retreating with son Bronny for golf sessions.

Fellow stars noticed. Stephen Curry, fresh off defending his American Century Championship title in Tahoe, where he won in 2023 with a hole-in-one, impersonated James’ follow-through in a viral video. Curry quipped, “Unbelievable impersonation of my guy LeBron’s follow-through in the golf swing. But we all want to welcome LeBron James to the world of golf because the game needs you, big fella.”

Former PGA pro Jordan Spieth chimed in with tips, while NFL legends Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson critiqued on Nightcap: Sharpe noted, “Those shoulders are too tight,” and Johnson added, “He’s supposed to get them lessons right before he gets out there on that course.”

James embraced the roast, posting more footage, including rounds in the Dominican Republic through pouring rain. He captioned one Instagram story “For the love of the game,” echoing former teammate J.R. Smith’s welcome: “Yup it’s official! You’re a GOLFER! Welcome!” By August, James shared a screengrab of Road to the Masters gameplay with a lock emoji, locked in on improvement.

Curry encouraged: “Welcome. We’ve been waiting for you.” Like NBA icons Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, who sought golf’s mental reset, the King’s following the same path. James is not a natural like Curry, who floats pro golf post-NBA, finds appeal in the discomfort. For him Golf offers escape, a humbling contrast to basketball mastery.

Lakers exit rumors linger, but so does LeBron

Speculation peaked after James opted in, with agent Rich Paul telling ESPN that LeBron “knows the Lakers are building for the future … but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.” Lakers GM Rob Pelinka added, “If he had a chance to retire a Laker, that would be great.” Sources indicated Doncic opposed trading James, per ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin, who noted no viable trade improved the team or tempted James to waive his no-trade clause.

Insiders like NBA’s Jared Greenberg denied James ever sought a move that he refused minimum deals or clause waivers, prioritizing control. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported midseason trades unlikely, as the Lakers added Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton for depth around Doncic and James. Owner Mark Walter avoids trading a legend.

Reports of Warriors or Mavericks interest fizzled. Siegel highlighted James’ top-10 status despite 1,854 career games, praising his drive. On 360 With Speedy, James addressed his next move, “I’m not hinting at anything. Obviously, I know I’m on the other side of the hump, for sure. Come on now, I’m not about to play another 23 years, that’s for damn sure, and I’m not about to play another 10. I’m definitely gearing up to where the end is, I’m not there yet.”

He dismissed golf signaling exit, “Listen guys, every time I pick up something new, it does not mean retirement. … It’s just something I want to do, just a little hobby. But retirement is coming, it is coming. It’s just not here just yet.”

James eyes a fifth ring. The Lakers remain contenders with him. Golf tests him off-court; basketball defines him on it. For now, he stays locked in LA, building legacy one swing, one bucket at a time.