Did NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani just take shot at LeBron James despite 76ers beating Knicks twice already this season?

Despite playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, who have already beaten the New York Knicks twice, LeBron James is reportedly living in the Big Apple, which might've been alluded to by NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

As Mamdani's conversation with CNN after the midterms was ending, Jake Tapper threw in a subtle shot at the Knicks, saying, "Just one note — the Sixers have beaten the Knicks twice this season," before throwing it over to Anderson Cooper.

The quick-witted Mamdani didn't let that slide . The mayor promptly responded, "We've got the pied-à-terre [tax] coming anyway."

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Could that have been a sneaky jab at James? A pied-à-terre is a secondary living space, and an annual tax on them recently took effect on July 1, 2026.

Is 76ers star LeBron James living in New York City?

Before the season, James confirmed that "multiple residences" would be in use during his time with the Sixers. He reportedly has access to a Fanatics helicopter to transport him to Philly .

LeBron's twilight years in his NBA career are going to be with the 76ers. He signed a two-year contract with a player option during the offseason.

He and the 76ers spoiled the Knicks' Opening Night festivities. The Knicks were celebrating their championship, handing out rings to the players and raising the banner into the rafters at Madison Square Garden. LeBron and Co. came in and beat New York in the season opener. They beat them again just over a week later, this time in the City of Brotherly Love.

James, 41, has taken a back-seat role with the 76ers. He is averaging a career-low 15.7 points per game through nine games but averages 7.4 rebounds and assists per game.

The Sixers have a mix of young and veteran stars. Tyrese Maxey has started fast, averaging 28 points per game. VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown—who also joined the team in the offseason—and Joel Embiid round out the starting five.