Lebron James dispels doubts about high-risk helicopter ride after first milestone with the 76ers
The 41-year-old is splitting time between Philadelphia and New York as he begins his 24th NBA season
LeBron James has spent most of his career making difficult things look routine, and his latest adjustment appears to be no different.
After taking part in his first major scrimmage with the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, James left the arena and headed back toward New York by helicopter, reinforcing just how unusual his new setup is going to be during the 2026-27 season.
The scrimmage itself represented an important first step. Around 10,000 fans packed Xfinity Mobile Arena to see James with his new team, and the 41-year-old came away encouraged by what Philadelphia showed.
“To be able to take what we've done on the practice floor, bring it to a game floor situation around our fans... it was a great first step in the direction we're trying to go,” James said.
Then, rather than facing a long drive north, he took to the air.
James making unusual living arrangement work
James has said he plans to divide his time between Philadelphia and New York, creating a commute rarely seen around the NBA.
The distance between New York City and the Sixers ’ practice facility in Camden, New Jersey, is around 95 miles. By helicopter, the journey can be reduced to roughly 40 to 45 minutes.
That convenience could matter as James manages the demands of his 24th NBA season.
His decision to join Philadelphia came only after serious consideration of retirement. James admitted during the summer that he was close to walking away entirely.
“I thought I was done when the season ended,” he said. “I wasn't ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.”
Real pressure will come on court
The helicopter commute may grab attention, but Philadelphia didn't bring James in for novelty value.
The Sixers have championship ambitions built around James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown , while James has made clear that winning remains central to his decision to keep playing.
He arrives after averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds across 60 games for the Lakers last season, showing that he can still provide major production even as workload management becomes increasingly important.
Philadelphia hasn't won an NBA championship since 1983, and adding James immediately raises expectations around the franchise. The opening schedule also adds a neat twist to his new living arrangement.
The Sixers begin preseason against the Knicks on October 5 and open the regular season at Madison Square Garden on October 20, bringing James straight into the city where he plans to spend part of the year.
