The off-court rivalry between Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers has taken a playful turn, extending from the basketball court to the golf course. A recent social media post from Tatum sparked a lighthearted exchange, showcasing both players’ golf gear and hinting at a budding, yet competitive, friendship outside of their professional battles.
The interaction began with Tatum sharing a photo featuring both his and James’ golf equipment. While the specifics of any actual head-to-head competition remain undisclosed, the post immediately ignited chatter among NBA fans and observers. It’s a dynamic that’s been brewing for some time, with previous encounters documented during a charity celebrity golf event in Los Angeles last summer. That event saw Tatum’s initial reaction to James’ golf swing go viral, quickly becoming a popular meme on NBA Twitter, as reported in July 2025.
This isn’t simply a case of two superstars dabbling in a popular pastime. Golf has become increasingly prevalent among NBA players, offering a different kind of competition and camaraderie. James, in particular, has dedicated significant time to the sport, even amidst his ongoing professional career. Tatum’s playful critique of James’ swing, captured in a video shared by the NBA, demonstrates a level of comfort and respect between the two players. “I’m happy my guy’s out there,” Tatum said in the video, adding a subtle jab that James “has a ways to go” in mastering the game.
The timing of this exchange is particularly interesting given the current state of both teams. The Celtics are currently performing strongly, holding the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference with a record of 35-19 as of . This success has come despite a significant setback: Jayson Tatum suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during the second round of the playoffs in May 2025, sidelining him for the current season.
Jaylen Brown, Tatum’s teammate, recently addressed a viral photo he shared comparing the Celtics’ production this season to last, emphasizing the team’s resilience in the face of adversity. “We were supposed to be tanking, that was the talk,” Brown told CelticsBlog’s Noa Dalzell. “To be in the top five teams in the league? I’m proud of that. I’m extremely proud. Ain’t nobody can tell me nothing.” Brown’s comments underscore the team’s determination to remain competitive despite Tatum’s absence and the departure of key players like Kristaps Porziņģis (traded to the Atlanta Hawks) and Jrue Holiday (traded to the Portland Trail Blazers), along with Al Horford leaving in free agency.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are navigating their own challenges. While LeBron James remains a dominant force, his future with the team remains a subject of speculation, as noted by Lakers owner Jeanie Buss. The January 28, 2023 game against the Celtics, though a past event, highlighted James’ passionate reactions to perceived officiating errors, a characteristic that continues to define his competitive spirit. His commitment to the Lakers for the season, however, appears firm, with James and his agent, Rich Paul, stating they never requested a trade.
The golf-related banter offers a glimpse into the evolving relationship between Tatum and James. It’s a dynamic built on mutual respect, fierce competition, and now, a shared hobby. The playful critique of James’ golf swing isn’t about diminishing his athletic prowess; it’s a sign of camaraderie and a recognition that even the greatest athletes are constantly striving for improvement, even off the court.
The Celtics’ success this season, despite Tatum’s injury, has been a testament to the team’s depth and resilience. Brown’s recent statements emphasize the team’s pride in exceeding expectations. “Everybody was calling it a gap year,” Brown added. “How do you go from a gap year to top five in the East? That’s a big jump. That’s not a small jump. People want to skip over that. I’m not gonna let you skip over it. That is a big deal.”
As both Tatum and James continue their respective seasons – Tatum focused on recovery and Brown leading the Celtics, and James aiming to guide the Lakers through a competitive Western Conference – their off-court interactions provide a refreshing contrast to the intensity of their on-court battles. The golf course, it seems, has become a new arena for this compelling rivalry, one where playful jabs and friendly competition take center stage.
The exchange also highlights the growing trend of NBA stars embracing golf as a means of relaxation, competition, and networking. It’s a sport that demands precision, strategy, and mental fortitude – qualities that translate well from the basketball court. Whether this leads to a full-fledged celebrity golf tournament featuring Tatum and James remains to be seen, but the current dynamic suggests a willingness to continue this lighthearted rivalry beyond the confines of the NBA season.
