LeBron James Responds to Helicopter Question amid Criticism Before Start of 76ers Season

Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James doesn't think it's out of the ordinary to be commuting from New York in a helicopter ahead of his first season with the Sixers.

"I've done it before," James said Friday when asked if he had ever traveled to work in the aircraft (h/t ESPN's Kris Rhim).

James concluded, "Just another way of transportation, that's all."

ESPN's Dave McMenamin initially reported James would be splitting his time between Philadelphia and New York this season while using a helicopter to cut a potential two-hour commute to around 40 minutes .

According to Front Office Sports' Daniel Roberts and TMZ Sports , James has been granted use of a Fanatics aviation, including a helicopter, as part of an endorsement deal with the company.

After closing out the preseason Friday night in Philadelphia, James will be back in New York by next week. The Sixers are scheduled to open the regular season Tuesday with a road game against the New York Knicks.