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Jayson Tatum provides constructive criticism on LeBron's golf swing
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the fourth quarter at the TD Garden. Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Jayson Tatum provides constructive criticism on LeBron James' golf swing

There's something about the game of golf that seems to attract elite athletes from other sports. NBA players have always had a love for the links, with Stephen Curry being the most talented out of the current crop of players.

After two decades in the NBA, it would appear LeBron James has finally decided to begin transitioning into the golfing phase of his life. Unfortunately, he's likely learning that the sport is unforgiving and difficult to master.

On Tuesday, a video surfaced on social media showing Jayson Tatum, who is no slouch on the golf course, being asked about James' rookie-level golf swing. The Boston Celtics champion, who is currently recovering from a torn Achilles, shared some constructive criticism for "The King." 

"Loosen up a little bit," Tatum said.

The All-NBA forward also elaborated on why he's happy to see James on the golf course.

"You know what? I'm just happy,” Tatum said. “I'm happy my guy's out there. Probably been a long time coming. Part of it is you've got to get out there. You've got to fall in love with the game. We all probably looked like this when we first got out there. But, you know, hopefully he keeps practicing. And he's only up from there."

James has been an elite athlete for most of his life. It won't be long until he figures things out on the golf course and we see him rivaling Curry at celebrity tournaments and the like. 

However, for now, he must accept that he's behind a lot of his peers in terms of skill level and experience, and that's a rare feeling for someone who has dominated his respective sport for 20 years.

Tatum, on the other hand, will likely have some additional time to hone his golf skills during stretches where the Celtics are on the road. He is, after all, expected to miss a lot, if not all, of the 2025-26 season as he continues to recover from a significant setback.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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