Is Lakers star LeBron James’ newfound golf obsession a sign he’s ready to retire?

The recent rise of LeBron James’ interest in golf has sparked speculation about whether the Los Angeles Lakers star could be preparing for life after basketball. According to James, however, his newfound hobby has little to do with any retirement decision.

In a recent profile by Sean Gregory of TIME, James addressed questions about his future following the Lakers’ playoff elimination and clarified that his growing passion for golf should not be interpreted as a signal that he is ready to walk away from the NBA.

“I’m happy that I picked it up at this point in my life, but that has nothing to do with my decision on my playing career,” James said. “That is separate. I love golf, man. But I also know the main thing is the main thing. And that’s my love for the game of basketball. If I continue to play, then that’s always gonna be my passion.”

James recently completed his 23rd NBA season after Los Angeles was eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. Since then, questions have intensified regarding whether the four-time NBA champion will return for a 24th season.

The 41-year-old appears in no rush to make a decision.

According to Gregory, James declined to comment when asked whether he would consider taking a pay cut to help the Lakers gain additional roster flexibility. He also suggested that a final decision on his future may not come until later in the summer.

On Mind the Game, James told co-host Steve Nash that an answer regarding next season could arrive in August.

LeBron James says family will play major role in retirement decision

For now, James remains focused on evaluating what he still wants from basketball and life away from the court.

“I love being out there and competing at the highest level, which the postseason is,” James told TIME after the Thunder eliminated the Lakers. “Playing the game that I love and having fun, enjoying the competition, was something that you always live for, no matter where you are in your career.”

While basketball remains a major part of his life, James acknowledged that family considerations are becoming increasingly important.

His younger son, Bryce, is preparing to begin his college basketball career at Arizona, while his daughter Zhuri continues to pursue volleyball. James admitted that decades of dedication to basketball have required sacrifices away from home.

“I’ve spent a lot of time sacrificing,” James said. “I spent a lot of time putting in the work of my own individual craft, and I’ve had to give up a lot of family time.”

James added that his future plans include dedicating more attention to his wife and children.

“So a big part of the next 10 years won’t be me getting it back, because you can’t get time back,” James said. “But my daughter is 11 years old. I’m going to pour into her. I’m going to pour into my wife.”

For now, James insists golf and retirement are unrelated topics. Whether he returns for a 24th season remains uncertain, but his love for basketball appears to remain as strong as ever.

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