Joel Embiid’s ‘Fragile’ Health Still a Concern For LeBron James Despite Joining 76ers

Joel Embiid has struggled with injuries throughout his career which is a concern for LeBron James.

Joel Embiid’s ‘Fragile’ Health Still a Concern For LeBron James Despite Joining 76ers

Joel Embiid's health a concern for LeBron James (Image via FirstSportz)

LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers has been the biggest headline of the offseason since the announcement was made on Friday. James joins a star-studded squad in Philly boasting the likes of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown.

The move has definitely shifted the needle towards the 76ers in the Eastern Conference. After getting clean-swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals last season, the 76ers front office has wasted no time in acquiring two big stars in the summer.

NBA Insider for ESPN Ramona Shelburne revealed that James still has concerns over Embiid’s health heading into next season.

Embiid played only 57 games over the past two regular seasons, fewer than James played last season in his age-41 season. He sat out games in both of the 76ers’ playoff series in 2026, though it should be noted it was because of emergency appendicitis surgery, not because of his knees. James has long admired Embiid’s talent and basketball IQ, sources close to him said. But like many in the league, he had questions about Embiid’s durability.

Ramona Shelburne on ESPN

There is no doubting Joel Embiid when it comes to his talent and dominance on the court. Unfortunately, injuries have plagued his career so far. Since he was drafted into the league in 2014, he has not breached the 70-game mark in the regular season till date.

The former MVP was restricted to just 38 appearances in the regular season. He also missed the Play-In Tournament and the first four games of the playoffs last season due to an appendicitis surgery. Hence, one of the biggest concerns for James before joining the 76ers was the health of the big man. And based on Shelburne’s reports, it still remains a concern for the latest 76ers signing.

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Joel Embiid personally assured LeBron James about his health

Embiid has been the center of Philly’s “Trust the process” era. However even 10 seasons, the 76ers have never made it past the second round of the playoffs. But the time has come now. After trading for Brown and signing James, the 76ers have the best starting five in the NBA today.

LeBron James and Joel Embiid are now teammates
LeBron James and Joel Embiid are now teammates (Image via Eurohoops TR/X)

During James’ free agency saga, Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson revealed that Embiid personally assured James about his health after wrapping up his first surgery-free summer.

However, sources familiar with LeBron James’ thinking note that those concerns were directly confronted during a private face-to-face meeting in Los Angeles, where Embiid gave James direct assurances regarding his health after completing his first surgery-free summer. From James’ perspective, entering the season with a fully healthy Embiid fundamentally shifted the structural balance of the roster.

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson on Scoop B Radio

Embiid and James played alongside each other when they played for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Both stars played crucial roles in helping their country win the gold medal. Now, they will join forces in Philly as they look to lead the franchise to their first championship since 1983.

LeBron James is expected to play as point-guard for the 76ers

LeBron James will be entering his 24th season in the NBA next season. He has played with several great teammates throughout his career, but it hard to argue against the fact that this 76ers squad may be the most talented team he has ever played in before.

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, James will see more time at the point-guard position next season.

Tyrese Maxey last season played a lot on the ball at point guard… think of a better player that can set the table for Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe… the one season LeBron spent at point guard in the NBA in his 23 seasons, the 2019-2020 season. He led the league in assists; the Lakers won the championship that year, and we never saw ‘Point LeBron’ again.

Shams Charania on NBA Today

It has been a long time since James played as a point-guard. He does not have to be the first, second or even the third scoring option when his teammates are fit and healthy. However, he is the best passer in the team and will be able to orchestrate the team’s offense better than Maxey.

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