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LeBron James issues blunt response when questioned over helicopter decision
LeBron James answered questions on Friday about his travel arrangements

LeBron James issued a blunt response to a question about his current travel arrangements, with him seemingly fed up with people asking him about flying between New York and Philadelphia by helicopter.

The 2026-27 NBA season gets underway next week, with James set to make his regular season debut for the Philadelphia 76ers when they tip off against the defending champion New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. James' decision to join the 76ers after leaving Los Angeles dominated the offseason headlines.

In July, he inked a two-year, $8 million deal to sign with the Sixers, with him set to earn a career-low $3.87 million this coming season. His travel arrangements have also dominated the offseason headlines.

The 41-year-old is splitting time between New York and Philadelphia, with James set to live in both cities. "Both ... multiple residences," James said at Sixers media day just over a fortnight ago when asked if he would be living in New York or Philadelphia.

To live in New York while playing for the 76ers in Philadelphia, James commutes via helicopter, a decision that cuts a potential two-hour journey down to around 40 minutes.

On Friday, James was asked by a reporter about his travel arrangements, with the 22-time NBA All-Star issuing a blunt response. "Teammates, fans are getting a kick out of you traveling by helicopter; what's that been like for you?" James was asked.

However, James appeared fed up with the questions about flying by helicopter.

"I've done it before; it's just another mode of transportation. That's all," said James in response to what was the final question of his media availability.

According to Front Office Sports' Daniel Roberts, the helicopter James is using to travel between the two cities is a Fanatics-branded helicopter as part of his endorsement deal with the company.

Posting on X, Roberts wrote, "LeBron's use of a Fanatics branded helicopter is part of his broad deal w the company, which extends to after his playing career is over. includes use of Fanatics aviation. a small handful of other athletes with big Fanatics deals get same access."

LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the locker room during NBA media day on September 28, 2026 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.
LeBron James signed for the Sixers this offseason -Credit:Getty Images

A spokesperson for James told FOS, "The deal we signed with Fanatics almost three years ago includes access to their corporate aviation.

"It’s a feature in many of their deals with their largest athletes and we appreciate their partnership as LeBron splits his time between New York and Philadelphia."

Flight records show that James had made a dozen round trips between Philadelphia and New York towards the beginning of October, a figure that will likely be much higher with the 2026-27 season set to get underway next week.

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