JR Smith has explained how long it will take LeBron James to become a scratch golfer once he retires from the NBA.
Smith played with James on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 title-winning team, and they recently went on a golf trip.
Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson, Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye, Iman Shumpert, and Matthew Dellavedova also joined them in the United Kingdom.
Smith has now revealed James’ current handicap and how long it will take him to get down to scratch.
How long JR Smith thinks it would take LeBron James to become a scratch golfer
James is currently deciding on his next team in free agency, as he is expected to play basketball for at least one more season.
However, the 41-year-old is already playing a lot of golf, which will probably be his main hobby when he eventually retires.
Smith is convinced that James will become a scratch golfer one day because he loves the game and is determined to improve.
“I would say the moment he hangs up that jersey, I give LeBron three years before he’s a scratch,” Smith said. “I’m taking that bet.”
“He has all of the gadgets. He has everything. That’s another thing: he’s not a gearhead, so he’s going to be consistent with his clubs.
“And he’s got every coach in the world who wants to coach him. He can play every day for the rest of his life if he wants to.”
Smith also revealed that James is “probably an 18 [handicap]” at the moment, leaving him with a lot of work to do.
However, as his former Cavaliers teammate explained, James will have every opportunity to practice after his retirement.
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