LeBron James' Helicopter Use With 76ers Part of Fanatics Contract, Details Surface in New NBA Rumors

LeBron James' endorsement deal with Fanatics includes on-demand helicopter service, according to Front Office Sports' Daniel Roberts and TMZ Sports.

Roberts noted that "a small handful of other athletes with big Fanatics deals get same access."

TMZ shared a photo of the Philadelphia 76ers star traveling in a Fanatics-branded chopper following the team's scrimmage on Saturday.

From the moment he signed with the Sixers, rumors surfaced that James intended to set up a home base in New York City and commute to Philadelphia on a helicopter. A one-way trip can be completed within an hour.

That sets up quite a unique situation.

"The commute has invited outside curiosity but does not appear to faze anyone in the organization who are used to Sixers managing partner and primary owner Josh Harris coming and going the same way," ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported.

Of course, there's a difference between a member of ownership flying in from NYC and a player doing it.

The grind of the NBA schedule may require James to have some sort of living accommodations in the City of Brotherly Love. Staying in Philly makes more sense than going to New York when the Sixers have a home back-to-back.

The logistics of private air travel are much different and far more weather-dependent than commuting by car as well.

We've at least answered one question in terms of who's footing the bill for LeBron's expensive trips.