They figured he was a lazy time wasting slacker. They were right.

The Dude, Jeff Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) is unemployed and laid-back... until... Victim of mistaken identity, two thugs break into his apartment in the errant belief that they are accosting Jeff Lebowski the Pasadena millionaire. In hope of getting a replacement for his soiled carpet Dude visits his wealthy namesake and, with buddy, ex 'Nam' veteran, Walter (John Goodman), he is swept into a Coenesque comedy/thriller of extortion, embezzlement, sex and dope. It takes guys as simple as the Dude and Walter to make a story this complicated... And they'd really rather be bowling.