NBA commissioner Adam Silver said on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Tuesday that the helicopter used by 76ers forward LeBron James to commute from New York to Philadelphia is "perfectly appropriate." Silver explained that James has a deal with Fanatics, and that as long as the helicopter is supplied through that agreement, with no team involved, there is no rules issue whatsoever.
After signing with the Sixers in free agency, James chose to live in New York, a decision several Sixers players have made before him, including former coach JJ Redick. James' method of travel, however, has drawn considerable attention. During news conferences after practice, players often pause and laugh as the helicopter is heard lifting off from the roof of the team's business center, drowning out the sound inside the facility.
James has recently brushed off the added scrutiny of his travel method. "I've done it before; just another way of transportation," he said.
The commissioner's remarks settle any question about whether the arrangement breaks league rules, leaving the focus on the novelty of a star player commuting by helicopter during the early stages of his Sixers tenure.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing