LeBron James gets simulator pitches from Cleveland and Philly golf spots
Local indoor golf businesses told TMZ Sports they would comp LeBron James if his next NBA stop is Cleveland or Philadelphia.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
3 min read
LeBron James’ golf habit is already getting recruited.
Indoor golf businesses in Cleveland and Philadelphia told TMZ Sports they are ready to make room for James if his NBA future takes him to either the Cavaliers or the 76ers, with offers ranging from free membership to a private hitting bay and instruction.
The pitches come after James discussed his growing love of golf during an appearance on Boardroom Talks. He said basketball remains the main focus as he weighs his next team, according to TMZ Sports, but added that if he lands in a colder city, he would use a simulator to keep working on his swing through the winter.
James has spent the past year talking more openly about catching the golf bug. He also said he is building simulators and putting greens for children in Akron who love the sport but have not had the resources to practice, according to TMZ Sports.
Cleveland makes its play
Jim Basar, owner of West Bank Golf Club near Rocket Arena in Cleveland, told TMZ Sports that James would not be paying if he comes back to the Cavaliers.
“LeBron James is welcome for free any day, anytime … his membership is on us!” Basar said, according to TMZ Sports.
West Bank Golf Club also leaned into the recruiting pitch on Instagram, joking that James had joined the club before adding that his membership would be free. The post noted the club is minutes from the Cavaliers’ new training facility.
Another Cleveland business, 18Lab Golf, also put an offer on the table. Owner Steve Pacino told TMZ Sports the facility would welcome James with private access and coaching.
“We’d love to have LeBron in … we could give him his own private bay and free instruction with our pro, Jeff,” Pacino said, according to TMZ Sports.
Philadelphia joins the chase
The 76ers market has a pitch of its own. Robert Kram, CEO of The Sporting Club at The Bellevue, told TMZ Sports he would be ready to help James with fitness and golf if Philadelphia becomes the pick.
“The Sporting Club at The Bellevue is willing to partner with LeBron for all of his fitness and golf needs,” Kram said, according to TMZ Sports. “If we could do anything to get LeBron to the Sixers, we would do whatever it takes.”
Kram has a past connection to James, according to TMZ Sports. He previously worked as director of fitness at a club James used while playing for the Miami Heat.
The Sporting Club at The Bellevue promotes a 100,000-square-foot wellness setup on Instagram, including fitness studios, a fitness floor, courts, golf and a pool.
James has not announced his next team. TMZ Sports also noted he recently played a round of golf with comedian Kevin Hart, described as a diehard 76ers fan, and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green.
For now, the basketball decision is still waiting. The simulator sweepstakes, apparently, has already teed off.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.