Tatum's reaction to LeBron's viral golf debut.
Jayson Tatum Shares Honest Take on LeBron James’ Golf Swing After Viral Video originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
After winning the franchise's 18th NBA championship in 2024, the Boston Celtics finished last season with a 61-21 record, first in the Atlantic Division and second in the Eastern Conference, only to bow out in the conference semifinals to the New York Knicks.
A large reason why the Celtics were upset by the Knicks in the second round of the playoffs was due to the devastating Achilles injury to star Jayson Tatum.
As Tatum works through summer rehab, he was asked his thoughts about LeBron James’ recently viral, awkward golf swing.
After viewing the clip, Tatum smiled and offered measured praise for the Los Angeles Lakers star stepping onto the links.
"I’m just happy my guy’s out there. It’s been a long time coming," Tatum said. "You’ve got to get out there. You’ve got to fall in love with the game. We all probably look like this when we first got out there. Hopefully he keeps practicing, and he’s only up from there."
Asked for swing advice, Tatum joked, "Loosen up a little bit."
“I’m happy my guy’s out there.”
— NBA (@NBA) July 29, 2025
Jayson Tatum reacts to LeBron James picking up golf this summer 🏌️ pic.twitter.com/MB41rhpHtM
LeBron James' Awkward Golf Debut
James' golf fling began with a July 4 social-media post showing him teeing off in a striped shirt and shorts. His rigid swing nearly missed the ball in one clip and prompted laughter across the sports world.
According to Newsweek, the PGA of America chimed in, "Somebody is getting addicted to golf," while pro PGA Tour winner Min Woo Lee quipped, "Come a long way since the topgolf video."
Even Stephen Curry, a noted golfer, welcomed James to the fairways: "We’ve been waiting for you."
The video racked up millions of views, fueling summer talk of James’ next chapter beyond basketball.
A Preview of Jayson Tatum, LeBron James in 2025-26
Tatum suffered an Achilles tear during the playoffs and is expected to miss significant time as he rehabs, but early reports suggest he could return by midseason and be at full strength come playoff time.
When he does return to the court, Boston’s rotation will look very different: Jrue Holiday was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons, Kristaps Porzingis was sent to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal for Georges Niang, and rookie Hugo González and veteran Luka Garza have been added to bolster depth.
James, meanwile, exercised his $52.6 million player option for 2025‑26, signaling his intent to continue his pursuit of a fifth championship ring in Los Angeles.
The Lakers re‑signed Jaxson Hayes and added Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart to support their veteran core.
With Luka Doncic's new physique and a retooled bench, L.A. aims to stay in title contention, fighting alongside Western Conference contenders like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets.
Related: Rockets Release NBA Veteran Days After Kevin Durant Trade
Related: Damian Lillard Receives Message From Bucks After Unexpected Release
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
