Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick is gearing up for his second season on the sidelines, but his latest plans with LeBron James and Bronny James have nothing to do with basketball. Instead, Redick is eyeing a different stage: the golf course.
Redick told reporters this week that he’s been enjoying a “terrific” offseason and, while he has yet to tee it up with the James duo, plans are already in motion.
“Bronny [James] and I, we got something set up,” Redick said. “Bronny’s got a sick swing, just an absolute natural athlete. A little jealous of him. He’s gonna be a sick golfer.” We can only conclude that, instead of working on his basketball skills, they are focusing on golf for now.
LeBron chasing the shadow he always did, picked up the sport more seriously this past summer, with Bronny quickly becoming his most frequent partner. And while the 40-year-old is still new to the game, Redick suggested that Bronny already looks smoother on the course than his father, reinforcing his reputation as a versatile athlete.
Redick’s Long Obsession With Golf
For Redick, golf isn’t just a casual hobby. His connection to the sport dates back to 2006, when he entered the NBA as a rookie with the Orlando Magic. Over time, the game became an obsession.
After retiring from basketball in 2021, Redick admitted he developed an “intense obsession” with lowering his scores. Despite years of effort, it wasn’t until 2023 that he finally broke 80 for the first time. The milestone underscored both the difficulty of the game and his persistence.
LeBron’s Game Still Developing
Asked about LeBron’s progress on the course, Redick praised the four-time MVP’s enthusiasm but made it clear there’s a long way to go.
With a smile, Redick quipped: “He would not shoot 65 anytime soon.”
While the Lakers prepare for another high-pressure season, Redick’s offseason glimpse showed a different side of the team where golf bags, not basketballs, are in focus. For now, fans will have to wait to see if that tee time with LeBron and Bronny actually happens, but Redick is confident: Bronny already looks like the natural.
And one thing is for sure: Michael Jordan has connected these two sports like nobody before. James always wants to build on what Michael has done. But can he beat him on the golf course, tho? Tough to imagine that
