LEBRON JAMES JOINS 76ERS FOR NBA SEASON OPENER AGAINST KNICKS

LeBron James will make his Philadelphia 76ers debut against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on the opening night of the NBA season, according to reports of the league's schedule announcement. The Knicks are the defending NBA champions. James will later face his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, on Christmas Day, when he will also play against his son Bronny James, who plays for the Lakers.

The Christmas Day schedule features several other notable matchups. The Knicks will face the San Antonio Spurs in a rematch of the 2026 NBA Finals. The Miami Heat, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, will travel to Boston to face the Celtics. The Golden State Warriors will host the Denver Nuggets at Chase Centre, whilst the Oklahoma City Thunder will meet the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Centre. According to one report, James averaged 25.9 points, 7.9 assists and 7.7 rebounds across eight seasons with the Lakers.

The Christmas schedule marks James's 21st appearance on the holiday in his career, marking the first time in eight years he will play on Christmas Day without the Lakers. The Charlotte Hornets remain the only NBA team never to have featured in a Christmas Day game, according to one report.