Lakers Star LeBron James Did Not Hold Back After Kevin Hart's Public Call-Out

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 7:17 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has been busy preparing himself for what will be his 23rd NBA season. During the summer, the 40-year-old has also spent a considerable amount of time on the golf course, working on his new hobby.

James’ decision to take up golf has drawn a lot of attention as the four-time NBA champion continues to hone his skills. So much so that even Hollywood actor Kevin Hart could not help but call James out on a very public platform.

Hart took to Instagram on Wednesday to reveal that he, too, has decided to give golf a try. The 46-year-old comedian’s post included a savage call-out aimed at James.

“Kev the Golfer is currently loading …. Please be patient with me during this process…. But [expletive] I’m about to be on yo [expletive]!!!!!!

“@kingjames … I am publicly challenging you to 18holes in a year …. Next Sept on the 17th …. I’m going to let the world see me kick yo [expletive]!!!!!!! Consider this a threat and a warning!!!!!!!!!!

“P.S I’m making the sleeveless golf shirt my thing!!!!!! Suns out guns out [expletive]!!!!!!!” Hart posted.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real)

James wasted little time responding to his buddy’s challenge. The Lakers superstar, however, does not have the patience to wait 12 months before testing his golf acumen against Hart.

"Why we gotta wait a whole year?? We can get to it now!! And in a year too!

"Say it wit cho chest. And leave that [expletive] cut off at home too!" James answered via his Instagram stories.

LeBron James responds to Kevin Hart's golf challenge

(via @kingjames on IG) pic.twitter.com/ce195gThw2
— Paolo Songco (@PaoloSongcoNBA) September 17, 2025

James also pointed out in his post that he and Hart are both beginners, which means that they are still on a level playing field. This might not entirely be true, though, with the NBA’s all-time leading scorer already with a couple of months’ worth of a head start. Considering that this is LeBron James we’re talking about here, that is a lot.

As for Hart, he may be one of the funniest dudes on the planet, but he’s no slack at all. The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor awardee would not be where he is today had it not been for his hard work and dedication.

Hart is the type who has the potential and the ability to excel in anything he puts his mind to. Golf is his next challenge, and he’s already set his sights on LeBron James from the get-go.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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