The fact that LeBron James is actually a member of the Philadelphia 76ers is starting to feel a bit more real, if only for the fact that the full NBA schedule was officially released on Thursday. We now have the entire picture of what this upcoming season will look like for LeBron, from Game 1 against the Knicks in New York to Game 82 at home against Charlotte.
What we don’t know yet is whether or not this is LeBron’s grand finale in The Association, given the fact he signed a two-year contract with a player option next summer. What we do know is that the NBA schedule makers gave the 76ers a litany of marquee games, several of which are centerpieces of some of the most anticipated days of the NBA season. The 76ers are set to be featured on Opening Night, Black Friday, Christmas, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and President’s Day.
We know the returns to Los Angeles and Cleveland will be particularly meaningful, but what other games should you free up your schedule for this season?
Here are the five biggest matchups for LeBron James and the 76ers, in chronological order.
Oct. 20 at New York Knicks
LeBron making his debut for the rival 76ers against the Knicks in Madison Square Garden would be cinematic in any circumstance, but the fact that LeBron basically admitted he would have signed with New York had they not won the championship adds even further drama. There’s no more definitive way to set the tone for a new era with a new team than beating the defending champions on Ring Night, especially after how thoroughly the Knicks dominated the postseason. It’s a statement game for the Knicks too, who would surely want nothing more than to spoil LeBron’s debut.
Oct. 22 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
It’s somewhat surprising the NBA didn’t throw LeBron, Jaylen Brown and the 76ers a bone by giving them a home game to start this new era, but I certainly understand not being able to pass up on that absolute gem of an opening night matchup. The fact the home debut comes against LeBron’s beloved Cavaliers, who he nearly rejoined this offseason, only makes it that much more unmissable. Championship expectations are once again back in the City of Brotherly Love, and the atmosphere will certainly match that on this fateful Thursday night.
Nov. 6 at Cleveland Cavaliers
It’s meaningful every time LeBron goes to Cleveland, but after flirting with his former team so shamelessly in the offseason, this one in particular is going to be a doozy. While the reception certainly won’t be icy and disrespectful like it was in 2010, I do think the adoration that LeBron’s received there in recent years will be replaced with at least some playful jeering this time around. The fact that both teams are definitive contenders in the Eastern Conference only makes this matchup all the more interesting. Imagine they meet in the playoffs, and it’s the Cavaliers who have the chance to end LeBron’s career?
Key Return Dates on the 2026-27 NBA Schedule:
• LeBron James @ LA (Dec. 25)
• Jaylen Brown @ BOS (Jan. 21)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo @ MIL (Jan. 28)
• Ja Morant @ MEM (Feb. 6)
• LaMelo Ball @ CHA (Feb. 15) pic.twitter.com/N3lgDySiZg— Kalshi NBA (@KalshiNBA) August 13, 2026
Christmas Day at Los Angeles Lakers
The Return to Tinseltown. On Christmas Day. LeBron and the Lakers have been gracious toward each other publicly, but it’s no secret that the parting of ways wasn’t necessarily well received by the James camp. Add in the fact that Bronny Jr., LeBron’s own son, will be in his way on the other side? It’s a singular event not only in NBA history, but in life in general. Consider it. The greatest basketball player of all time, returning to the city where his family still resides to try and defeat the first team in his life to ever discard him. Now consider that it’s the headlining matchup of the NBA’s most important regular season date, a day that’s essentially become as synonymous with watching hoops as it is with opening presents. Do I need to go further?
Jan 21 at Boston Celtics
This game isn’t as important to LeBron as it is to his new teammate Jaylen Brown, but Brown’s return to Beantown is undoubtedly one of the biggest games of the 76ers season. Brown has been open about the feelings he has toward the Celtics organization since his departure, which leads you to believe that the chip on his shoulder going back into this hostile environment will be huge. On top of the existing hatred between these two franchises, this will also be a chance for Jaylen Brown to outplay his former teammate Jayson Tatum in a high stakes head-to-head matchup. Not to mention, LeBron’s history tormenting the Celtics in Boston has to make you believe he could have something special in store to help out JB.
