Pablo Torre is on the case.
During Front Office Sports’ “Tune In” summit in New York on Tuesday, the award-winning investigative journalist admitted he is planning to look into LeBron James’ use of a Fanatics helicopter while playing for the 76ers this season, a situation that has raised eyebrows to some in the NBA.
“It’s something that I also have been watching,” said Torre, who broke the bombshell story about Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers contract and the team’s ties to Aspiration that led to a massive punishment for the franchise.
“Of course, I know that Fanatics logo. I saw that. I was also a little mad that I didn’t get to get that one first. On that story specifically, I will say that we’re very interested and we are, of course, looking into all of the ways that is both a good story as well as something of interest to the league. And by the way, it may not be the latter, but it does appear to be the former as a business story.”
James, who signed a two-year $8 million contract with the 76ers in July, has moved to New York with his family since leaving Los Angeles in what was a booming free agency move.
He has since opted not to drive to and from Philadelphia but rather fly in a Fanatics-branded helicopter, and James has been doing it throughout the offseason for practice and preseason games.
“The deal we signed with Fanatics almost three years ago includes access to their corporate aviation,” a James spokesperson told Front Office Sports, which reported that James is allowed access to Fanatics Aviation as part of his contract with Rubin’s company.
“It’s a feature in many of their deals with their largest athletes and we appreciate their partnership as LeBron splits his time between New York and Philadelphia.”
Torre also revealed that he and his podcast, “Pablo Torre Finds Out,” have been receiving tips from NBA owners about the situation.
“[The NBA owners] are like sending me your story and being like ‘What is this?’ because now I’m the guy who seems to be a lever on something like accountability even among billionaires, which is a fun plot twist,” he said.
The helicopter commute is about 45 minutes, cutting down the travel time from what would usually be a 90-minute to two-hour drive.
The 41-year-old was spotted after his commute earlier this month following the 76ers’ first scrimmage Oct. 3.
The four-time MVP took to the sky and returned to New York, landing at the VIP Heliport on West 30th Street.
He could rack up roughly 67 round-trips between the 76ers’ 41 home games and roughly 26 home practices, the Philly Voice reported.
James previously stated he plans to spend time between the two cities and would have “multiple residences.”
The 76ers open the season against the Knicks on Oct. 20 at Madison Square Garden.
