Sports fans are criticizing Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James for traveling to New York by helicopter just a day after admitting he nearly joined the Knicks in free agency.

James was taking part in training camp with the Sixers on Tuesday and left the facility once his day had ended.

But rather than drive, he instead went to the roof and got in a chopper that flew him back to his home in New York City.

James revealed that he plans to split time between the Big Apple and the City of Brotherly Love throughout the 2026-27 NBA season.

While a drive between the two cities can be done in under two hours, it takes just 45 minutes when flying via helicopter.

The timing of this comes after James admitted he wanted to join the Knicks but chose not to after they won the 2026 NBA Finals.

Leaving Sixers practice today. As LeBron walked outside toward the building. Two plus two? pic.twitter.com/YRRYZRVG1X— Dana O’Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) September 29, 2026

X • Dana O’Neil

‘I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden,’ James told ESPN on Monday. ‘One of the best places I’ve ever played.’

He added: ‘I think it’s the No. 1 arena in the world, as far as for a basketball player. But after they beat San Antonio, I was like “Hey, I can’t.” I couldn’t do it.’

Fans slammed James for his decision to live in New York City despite playing in Philadelphia.

‘He hate Philly he really wanted to be in NY,’ wrote one user on X.

‘Really dedicated to that team culture and chemistry as usual,’ read another comment.

One user posted: ‘So much for the city of brotherly love.’

‘In all seriousness Bron does NOT need to be doing this, like at all. It’s a bad omen frfr. Chopper ride from Philly to NY is 45 mins, a car ride, where he’ll be chauffeured is 2 hrs Take the extra hour and 15 mins to just take a nap in the back seat or relax,’ read one concerned post.

The Sixers will open their season at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks on October 20.