LeBron James’ Risky Post-Practice Decision Has Fans Saying ‘Be Careful We Already Lost One Legend’

LeBron James is building his post- Lakers life around New York, about 95 miles from the Philadelphia 76ers ' practice facility in Camden, New Jersey. James, 41, told ESPN's Dave McMenamin on Monday that he has "multiple residences" and will live in both cities this season.

By car, the trip takes 90 minutes to two hours each way. Every practice or home game outside the Philly area could eat three to four hours round trip, so James found a shortcut on Tuesday.

Bleacher Report's McMenamin reported that a helicopter waiting for James could be heard outside the facility while Anfernee Simons spoke to reporters after the Sixers' first training camp practice Tuesday.

He wrote on X, "While Anfernee Simons was answering questions to the media members after Sixers practice Tuesday a loud droning noise could be heard coming from outside the facility: a helicopter for LeBron James to take to head to New York."

A helicopter easily covers the same distance James needs to travel in just 40 to 45 minutes. However, whenever NBA fans hear about players using helicopters, they are instantly reminded of the tragedy that took the life of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

Fans unload on LeBron James' post-practice chopper ride to New York

Fans on X criticized LeBron James' decision to commute by helicopter, expressing anxiety due to Kobe Bryant 's tragic death in a 2020 helicopter crash.

One fan wrote , "Be careful we already lost one legend…"

Another posted , "Still taking a helicopter huh? Can't see anything going wrong thats for sure."

A third asked , "Helicopter rides after what happen to Kobe?"

The fourth one penned , "Careful, helicopters and basketball players don't mix."

A random X user noted , "Seems crazy high risk to save 35 minutes vs other means of transportation."

The backlash traces back to January 26, 2020. That was the day Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Following the tragedy, aviation attorney and former Marine pilot Justin Green explained that poor visibility can easily cause pilots to lose their bearings.

The flight path between Philadelphia and New York often deals with harsh winter weather, heavy fog, and sudden icing. Still, sports outlets note there is no proof that LeBron's specific flight plan is actually unsafe.