Green Says Critics Should Mind Their Own Business
Draymond Green has come to the defense of LeBron James. LeBron has been facing criticism for commuting between Philadelphia and New York by helicopter. Some people say he should live in the city where his team is based. Others call it extravagant. Some even say it is unsafe because that is how the world lost Kobe Bryant. But Green wants everyone to stop. He said, “Let that man fly in peace.” He pointed out that people are recording LeBron every time he takes off and lands. He said it must be slow news days if people are making LeBron’s method of transportation a big deal. He added that people are just being nosy.
LeBron Is Not the First to Commute
LeBron is not the first professional athlete to live in New York while playing for a Philadelphia team. He is not even the first NBA player to do it. Wilt Chamberlain did it. More recently, current Lakers head coach JJ Redick commuted from Brooklyn to Philadelphia during his time with the Sixers. No one said anything about what Wilt or JJ did back then. So there is a precedent for this kind of arrangement.
Flying Saves Time
Commuting by helicopter saves LeBron James a lot of time. A trip by land from Philadelphia to New York takes about two to two and a half hours in normal traffic. A helicopter ride takes just 45 minutes. That gives LeBron more time to rest and recover. At 41 years old, rest and recovery are important for him. He is entering his 24th NBA season. Anything that helps him stay fresh is valuable.
LeBron Is Not Paying for the Helicopter
People who call it extravagant should know that LeBron is not paying for the helicopter rides. He is flying in Fanatics’ helicopter. LeBron has a trading card deal with Fanatics. His contract includes free use of the company helicopter. Some critics say a betting company is paying for his transportation. They argue this creates a conflict of interest because bettors wager on his games while he is partnered with the sportsbook. But Draymond sees it differently. He says it is a perk of being the face of this basketball generation. He said it is incredible to have those types of deals and that catering to that lifestyle has its benefits.
LeBron’s Preseason Debut
Amid all the fuss over his helicopter rides, LeBron made his Sixers debut last Thursday. Philadelphia visited the Brooklyn Nets for a preseason game at Barclays Center. The soon-to-be 42-year-old scored 10 points, grabbed four rebounds, and added five assists in just 18 minutes. He took only one field goal attempt and went 8-for-8 from the foul line. The Sixers are 1-2 in preseason play. But everyone knows it is still a dress rehearsal. They will look better in the regular season. As for LeBron James, how he works now will be how he works for the rest of the year, regardless of what the critics say.
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