Following the Philadelphia 76ers’ public Blue x White scrimmage on Saturday, October 3, 2026, LeBron James traveled via helicopter for an approximate 45-minute commute from the Philadelphia area to New York City.
The 41-year-old maintains this schedule during his 24th NBA campaign.
Xfinity Mobile Arena Scrimmage Draws Nearly 10,000 Fans
Close to 10,000 supporters packed Xfinity Mobile Arena for the annual public event, which shifted from its usual location at the G League affiliate facility in Wilmington, Delaware, to accommodate more fans. Admission required a $10 ticket, raising more than $80,000 for the Sixers Youth Foundation alongside 5,000 tickets distributed to local community groups and grantee partners.
Public address announcer Matt Cord welcomed James with a booming introduction. James wore a 76ers (practice) jersey for the exhibition. It was a great first step in the direction we’re trying to go
, James said afterward, It was great to hear some cheers from our fans
. Vendors hawked merchandise outside the venue offering fans the first pieces of his merchandise.
President of basketball operations Mike Gansey praised the newcomer’s work ethic and leadership during early camp sessions, highlighting his consistent early arrivals, vocal leadership, and willingness to dive on the floor for loose balls. James signed a two-year deal this summer featuring a player option for the second year. He averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists during his final season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Star-Studded Starting Unit Displays Early Offensive Chemistry
The exhibition gave spectators their first look at Philadelphia’s projected starting lineup featuring James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and VJ Edgecombe. The group opened Team Blue’s rotation with fluid passing and fast-break scoring, including a transition sequence where Maxey lobbed an alley-oop for a James dunk.
“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.”
LeBron James, Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid participated fully in team drills and scored on a driving left-handed fast-break dunk, later joking to reporters that it was probably the last dunk of my career
. James noted that his on-court chemistry with Embiid builds directly upon their shared run winning gold medals together at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Gansey noted that the organization wants to stick to the plan
for the center throughout the regular season, while reserves like Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti provide depth.
Head coach Nick Nurse observed the younger rotation members during the contest, including Labaron Philon, who showcased an isolation turnaround jumper over a defender. Jaylen Brown added playmaking from the wing following his arrival in a major offseason roster overhaul.
Helicopter Commute Precedes Preseason Opener Against New York Knicks
Following the conclusion of Saturday’s events, James boarded a helicopter for the 45-minute flight to New York City. The aerial commute comes as the team prepares for its first preseason contest against the New York Knicks on Monday night.
Secondary market ticket prices for the October 22 home opener against Cleveland hover around $1,000 for 100-level seats.
Worth a look
