*This content was translated by AI.
NBA's "living legend" LeBron James will face the defending champions in his first game wearing a Philadelphia 76ers uniform. On Christmas, he will take on his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers.
The NBA announced on the 11th (local time) the key schedule for the opening of the 2026–2027 season and the Christmas matchups.
The most eye-catching game is undoubtedly LeBron's Philadelphia debut.
Philadelphia will face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York on October 20. New York defeated the San Antonio Spurs in last season's NBA Finals to claim the title for the first time since 1973, ending a 53-year drought.
On that day, New York will also hold a ceremony to raise its championship banner before home fans.
Coincidentally, this day marks LeBron's official debut wearing the Philadelphia uniform. LeBron, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers until last season, chose to join Philadelphia after becoming a free agent (FA) this summer following various transfer rumors.
The first opponent in his new challenge is no pushover. LeBron will face the defending champions in his first game after joining the team, marking a difficult start.
Philadelphia also has a debt to settle against New York. Last season, they met in the Eastern Conference semifinals but were swept 0–4 and eliminated.
However, the team has completely transformed within a year. The existing ace Joel Embiid is among the league's top centers, and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey remains healthy. Additionally, rising rookie VJ Edgecomb is part of the roster.
Philadelphia has also successfully acquired "King" LeBron James and brought in Jaylen Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP. In short, they have built an ultra-luxury lineup.
On opening day, a total of three games will be held, including Philadelphia vs. New York. Boston Celtics will face the Detroit Pistons, while Oklahoma City Thunder will take on San Antonio.
The following day, October 21, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has moved to the Miami Heat, is scheduled to make his debut for his new team against the Minnesota Timberwolves. On the same day, the Golden State Warriors will face the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Christmas schedule is also intriguing. Once again, attention turns to LeBron, as he will face his former team, the Lakers, on Christmas Day.
LeBron spent eight seasons with the Lakers, leading the team to an NBA championship in 2020 and serving as its flagship star for a long time. However, by moving to Philadelphia this summer, he now faces the Lakers as an opponent.
The 2026–2027 season will be LeBron's 24th overall in the NBA. If he plays in the Christmas game, it will mark his 21st career Christmas matchup.
New York will also appear on the Christmas stage once again. Including this season, it will be the 59th Christmas game in NBA history, the most ever.
New York's Christmas game history is deep. The first-ever NBA Christmas game was held at Madison Square Garden in 1947. Most recently, they faced San Antonio at home on Christmas Day in 2024.
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*This content was translated by AI.
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