LeBron’s Still Balling, But His Mind Might Be on the Back Nine
LeBron James turned back the clock Thursday night in a dominant win over the Utah Jazz, reminding everyone that even at 40, he’s still got plenty left in the tank. With 28 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, James looked every bit the all-time great we’ve come to expect-even as questions about his long-term motivation continue to bubble beneath the surface.
But it wasn’t just LeBron’s stat line that caught people’s attention. It was what he said after the game that sparked the latest round of speculation about where his head’s at these days.
LeBron Praises Keyonte George-Then Shifts the Conversation to Golf
After the Lakers’ 143-135 win, James was asked about Keyonte George, the Jazz’s emerging third-year guard who dropped a team-high 34 points. That’s now three straight games with 34 or more for George, who’s quietly averaging a career-best 23.9 points per game. LeBron was complimentary, calling George’s “confidence” the most impressive part of his game.
But when asked if he thinks George deserves an All-Star nod, James didn’t exactly dive into the debate.
“I’m the wrong guy to ask that, champ,” James said with a grin. “I watch YouTube golf these days, so I’m the wrong guy to ask about that.”
Instead of breaking down George’s All-Star case, LeBron pivoted to his current viewing habits-which apparently include a steady diet of golf content featuring the Bryan Bros, Grant Horvat, and Bryson DeChambeau.
A New Passion-or a Sign of What’s Next?
Now, let’s be clear: LeBron isn’t mailing it in. His numbers-18.6 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game-might not be MVP-level, but they’re still more than solid for a player in his 21st season.
And the Lakers, now 19-7, are looking like a legitimate threat in the West. So no, the King hasn’t checked out.
But the golf talk isn’t just a throwaway line. This isn’t the first time LeBron’s been seen indulging his new passion-he was even spotted practicing his swing on the sideline during a recent game. It’s the kind of thing that raises eyebrows, especially when paired with a comment about not watching much NBA outside of his own games.
It’s also a reminder that LeBron, as locked-in as he still looks on the court, is approaching the twilight of an unparalleled career. And like many athletes who see the end coming, he’s starting to explore what life looks like after the final buzzer.
Still Locked In-But With One Eye on the Fairway
There’s no reason to think James isn’t fully committed to chasing another title this season. His production, leadership, and ability to take over when needed are all still there. But Thursday’s postgame moment offered a glimpse into a different side of LeBron-the guy who’s starting to think about what’s next, who’s finding joy in a different kind of competition, and who might be closer to the 18th hole of his NBA journey than we care to admit.
For now, though, the Lakers are rolling, LeBron’s still dishing dimes and draining threes, and Keyonte George is making a name for himself-whether or not LeBron’s watching.