Get the cameras ready, because the stage is set for LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers to face off in the game of all games on Tuesday, October 20. NBC announced the schedule for the upcoming NBA season, and it’s been revealed that LeBron’s Philadelphia debut will air on primetime at 7 p.m. ET.
The 2026-27 NBA season tips off on October 20 with a triple-header that includes LeBron and the rest of the Philadelphia 76ers roster looking to defeat the NBA defending champions, Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks.
Before that, Jayson Tatum meets up with Cade Cunningham at 3 p.m. ET when the Boston Celtics face off against the Detroit Pistons. And to close the night, two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will see Victor Wembanyama when the Thunder go head-to-head against the San Antonio Spurs at 9:30 p.m. ET.
The NBA Schedule Was Announced Weeks After LeBron James Announced His Move To Philadelphia
The NBA’s schedule announcement was released just weeks after LeBron signed a two-year contract worth $8 million with the 76ers.
“I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and decide if I still love this game,” LeBron wrote on social media after revealing his new team. “This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point?”
LeBron, who has won four NBA championships throughout his 23 seasons as a professional basketball player, said that he’s not finished yet. “I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship,” he added.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time,” he finished.
LeBron James Was Prioritizing This One Thing Before Deciding Where He Would Play Season 24
Rich Paul had spoken with the media throughout LeBron’s free agency, telling different reporters and media outlets that the baller was prioritizing “basketball happiness” during his search. The four teams LeBron reportedly had his eyes on were the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, the Golden State Warriors, and, of course, the 76ers.
Bob Myers, the president of an entertainment company that owns the 76ers, appeared on Paul’s podcast and made a plea for LeBron, emphasizing that he wouldn’t be unhappy if he came to the City of Brotherly Love.
“If he was here, I’d say, ‘I honestly believe this is your best chance to win. You have to decide all the other things that are equally important,” Myers said. “What I would just say is, if it’s about winning, let’s talk about this team. Because you can win here in Philadelphia.”
LeBron Loves That Philly Fans Treasure Their Athletes
LeBron has obviously spent the last two decades of his career playing in Philadelphia, and back in December 2025, he gushed about how much he enjoyed that the city had so much love for its athletes.
“One thing you know about Philly fans, they don’t care about anybody besides their home teams, and I respect and I love that,” he said. “I’ve played here, for obviously 23 years, a lot more when I was in the Eastern Conference. But to be able to have an appreciation for the City of Brotherly Love and for me to go out and still play the game that I love and them respect it, whatever the case may be, if they do, it’s pretty cool.”
The Lakers Thank LeBron For His Work
LeBron announced his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this summer after eight seasons with the purple and gold. He led the team to one championship in 2020.
He thanked the fans for their loyalty and love over the last several years and said he hoped he made many of them proud.
Lakers governor Jeanie Buss reacted to his exit and called LeBron “one of the greatest athletes in history.”
Buss added, “We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers, including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold.”
“We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family.”
