LeBron James will make his debut for the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks on opening night of the new NBA season, the league confirmed.
The Knicks will raise their championship banner at Madison Square Garden on October 20 before taking on their fierce rivals. New York secured its first title since 1973 this summer with a postseason run that included a sweep of the Sixers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Philadelphia has been transformed this offseason by the arrival of James, 41, and former Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown. Their matchup with the Knicks headlines three games on opening night, alongside the Detroit Pistons hosting the Celtics and the Oklahoma City Thunder facing the San Antonio Spurs.
Christmas Day fixtures
It was also confirmed on Tuesday that James will face his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, on Christmas Day. Other games slated for December 25 include the Spurs against the Knicks, a re-run of last season's NBA Finals.
James's move to Philadelphia was confirmed late last month after months of uncertainty over his NBA future. He wrote a candid message to fans explaining his decision, saying he believes he can turn the 76ers into "a championship team."
James has reportedly signed a modest $8 million, two-year contract with the Sixers, having made nearly $53 million last season.
