LeBron James left Philadelphia 76ers practice by helicopter on Tuesday and headed back to New York, providing a first glimpse of how the four-time MVP plans to manage his unusual living arrangement during the season.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that James’ helicopter took off from the 76ers’ practice facility in Camden, New Jersey, while Anfernee Simons was speaking to reporters outside. A loud droning noise could be heard during the media availability as the helicopter departed.
Dana O’Neil had earlier posted video of a helicopter lifting off from a rooftop following the 76ers’ practice, writing: “Leaving Sixers practice today. As LeBron walked outside toward the building. Two plus two?”
The flight followed James’ confirmation at Monday’s media day that he will maintain multiple residences in Philadelphia and New York during the season.
The arrangement is another unusual aspect of James’ decision to join Philadelphia. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst previously reported that James was not expected to live full time in Philadelphia and could spend at least part of the season in New York.
Shams Charania had also reported in July that James was considering basing himself in Manhattan and commuting to Philadelphia by helicopter. The distance between Camden and Manhattan is roughly 95 miles, making the flight significantly quicker than traveling by car.
James joined the 76ers this summer on a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option for the second season after spending six seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 41-year-old accepted a deal far below his maximum earning potential, allowing Philadelphia to build a deeper roster around its star core.
The 76ers acquired Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Paul George, a 2028 first-round pick that can convert into a swap, an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and two second-round picks. Philadelphia also added Simons, Dean Wade and Ariel Hukporti during the offseason.
James addressed his new environment during media day and said his focus is on helping the 76ers turn their talent into a championship team.
“We all want to put the work in,” James said. “Nothing can happen unless you actually put the work in. So we all are all speaking the same language. Everyone is highly motivated.”
He also said he is concentrating on the present rather than looking too far ahead.
“I’m just looking at it every single day on how I can be the best version of myself for this franchise while I’m here,” James said. “I can’t, I don’t want to speak into the future right now. I think that would be doing a disservice to myself on just living in the moment.”
James will now begin balancing his Philadelphia basketball commitments with his New York residence. The helicopter trip after the first practice offers an indication of how that arrangement could work once the regular season begins.
The 76ers finished 45-37 last season before losing to the New York Knicks in the second round of the playoffs. With James joining Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Brown, Philadelphia enters the new season with championship ambitions and significant attention surrounding every aspect of its veteran superstar’s move.
