LeBron James is already making waves before his Philadelphia 76ers debut, but it is not for a buzzer-beater. The NBA superstar is talking about his unique commute to practice, just about 24 hours out from hitting the court for the Sixers for the first time. The buzz started when ESPN reporter Kris Rhim asked James how teammates and fans “get a kick out of him” using a helicopter to get to practice. James kept it short and sweet, telling Rhim, “I’ve done it before, just another mode of transportation.” He added, “That’s all.”
Chopping Time Off the Commute
This isn’t just some wild flex, though. There’s a method to the madness. A spokesperson for James spilled the beans earlier this month to Front Office Sports, detailing the logistics behind his aerial trips. That helicopter ride? It slices a would-be two-hour drive down to a mere 40 minutes. Talk about efficiency! The deal that makes this possible traces back almost three years to a partnership with Fanatics, which includes access to their corporate aviation. It is a feature in many of their big athlete deals, and that partnership is key as James splits his time between New York, where he now lives, and Philadelphia. When he touches down, it’s right on a pad atop the Sixers’ business offices, which is conveniently located right next to where he and his teammates practice. While James might be the only player on the current 76ers roster doing this, it turns out the Sixers’ managing partner and primary owner, Josh Harris, also takes a helicopter to the offices.
A New City, A New Championship Dream
This whole commute thing is just another chapter in LeBron’s career, one that started when he officially joined the 76ers back in July, leaving the Lakers after eight years. He signed a two-year contract, making Philadelphia his fourth NBA team. And he made it clear back then what his goals are, posting on X in July, “I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.” That sounds like a man on a mission, someone who will literally fly to get every minute of practice in for that chance at a ring.
LeBron and the 76ers kick off their season against the New York Knicks on October 20 at 7 p.m. at Madison Square Garden. You know all eyes will be on him as he starts this new chapter, chasing that feeling of winning another championship.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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