LeBron James traveled via helicopter for the approximately 45-minute commute from the Philadelphia area to New York City following the 76ers’ public scrimmage on October 3, 2026. The 41-year-old star is splitting time between the two cities after signing a two-year contract with Philadelphia over the summer.
Helicopter Commute to New York City Highlights Travel Schedule
Following the Philadelphia 76ers’ annual Blue x White scrimmage at Xfinity Mobile Arena, LeBron James took off via helicopter for a roughly 45-minute flight to New York City. The commute was photographed by TMZ Sports on Saturday afternoon. The travel routine has already drawn discussion after a similar commute following practice on Tuesday, highlighting how the veteran forward is splitting time between the two cities during his inaugural season with Philadelphia.
Philadelphia opens its four-game preseason slate by hosting the New York Knicks on Monday, before beginning the regular season against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 20.
Packed Arena Greets New-Look Roster in South Philadelphia
Close to 10,000 fans paid $10 a ticket to witness the public scrimmage moved from Wilmington, Delaware, to South Philadelphia to accommodate surging ticket demand. The event generated more than $80,000 for the Sixers Youth Foundation, alongside 5,000 tickets donated to local community groups and grantee partners.
Longtime public address announcer Matt Cord returned from a brief retirement to introduce the revamped starting lineup comprising Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. James wore No. 9 instead of his usual number.
James has embraced that leadership role, diving on the floor for loose balls during practice sessions while maintaining a demanding personal routine that sees him arrive early each day.
The star forward explained during media availability that his decision to join the franchise came down to several specific factors, including his close relationship with Tyrese Maxey, the unexpected trade for Jaylen Brown, and the opportunity to help Joel Embiid capture his first career championship ring. James stated plainly that he did not leave his family out west simply to lose in the second round, setting high expectations for a roster aiming to conquer a challenging Eastern Conference.
“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.”
On-Court Chemistry and Embiid’s Physical Condition
During the three 10-minute scrimmage quarters—each initialized with an 80-80 score to simulate end-of-game pressure—James showcased his playmaking by delivering a behind-the-back pass to VJ Edgecombe in the corner and finishing an alley-oop fed by Tyrese Maxey. He also created space on the wing to drain a step-back 3-pointer that drew widespread online attention.
Teammates and staff expressed encouragement regarding Joel Embiid, who participated fully in training camp following prior knee injuries. Embiid contributed a driving left-handed dunk during the afternoon and joked that it was probably the last dunk of my career
after having an earlier attempt blocked by Ariel Hukporti.
Coach Nick Nurse gave the roster Sunday off before Monday’s preseason opener against the Knicks.
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