Luka Doncic does not talk about golf like it is just a hobby; it sounds more like a genuine escape from the pressures of basketball.
He has even taken that escape onto the course with LeBron James.
His reason for doing so echoes why so many NBA players are drawn to the game.
Luka Doncic’s golf obsession now includes LeBron James rounds
Speaking in Slovenian, Doncic opened up about playing with James and why golf has become one of his favorite ways to switch off.
“We played once or twice. Right now a bit harder because we ain’t close, but… Like you’re in nature four hours, sometimes even eight hours. I play 36 holes, which they say is not smart, but I still play it… You’re in nature, no phone, peace. Something most beautiful.”
Doncic has been seen around the game before. The Lakers used a March road-trip golf outing as a team-bonding exercise, with LeBron, Doncic, Austin Reaves, Bronny James, Luke Kennard and members of JJ Redick’s staff all involved.
Reaves even joked that he let Doncic win a hole to boost his confidence before a Lakers game, which says as much about Doncic’s competitive streak as his scorecard.
At minimum, Doncic now belongs in the Lakers’ top-three golf conversation. Reaves is the obvious clubhouse leader after trying a Korn Ferry Tour qualifier and playing serious offseason golf events. LeBron is also deep into the sport, recently building trips and off-days around it.
That leaves Doncic as the new addict in the group, a player who seems drawn less to status and more to the silence.
Luka Doncic joins NBA stars who use golf as an escape
The larger NBA connection is not new.
Michael Jordan helped popularize the idea of basketball stars living on the course. Charles Barkley made his swing famous, then turned the struggle into part of his public personality.
Stephen Curry has taken it further than almost anyone. He has played at a near-professional celebrity level, won the American Century Championship and turned his golf credibility into a real second sporting identity.
That is why Doncic’s quote fits. Golf gives NBA stars competition without a scoreboard everyone is dissecting, movement without constant contact, and long hours away from phones, cameras and arenas.
For players like Doncic, James, Reaves, Curry and Devin Booker, the appeal is obvious. The game still tests ego and touch, but it does it in fresh air.
Doncic calling golf beautiful may sound dramatic. For a superstar who lives inside noise, four quiet hours in nature probably feels exactly like that.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
