The LeBron James Effect: Joel Embiid Down to Rookie Weight Ahead of 76ers Season

Expectations for the Philadelphia 76ers are higher than ever after adding LeBron James. But one player will be under the most pressure: Joel Embiid.

Drafted by the 76ers as the number three pick in 2014, Embiid was the engine of ‘The Process.’ However, a foot injury kept him out for his first two NBA seasons. Although he has won the MVP award and two scoring titles, he has never taken his team past the second round of the playoffs.

Injuries have been a constant concern throughout Embiid’s career. He has struggled to stay healthy more often than not and has missed more games than he has played in.

However, James’ move to Philly has already changed the locker room, even before his season debut. Nobody has taken care of their body like James has in his career. And it looks like his work ethic has had a positive effect on Embiid.

ESPN insider Ramona Shelburne offered some details on Joel Embiid returning to his rookie-year weight.

I’ve been hearing Embiid’s getting to the gym early, he’s down to his rookie weight, this is a new Joel. Everybody’s trying to kind of earn LeBron’s approval and respect. That’s what I’ve been hearing out of Philly so far is this sort of LeBron is one of the greatest of all time, if not the greatest, and everybody kind of wants his approval.

Ramona Shelburne on NBA Today

Ramona Shelburne on the Sixers: "I’ve been hearing Embiid’s getting to the gym early, he’s down to his rookie weight, this is a new Joel. Everybody’s trying to kind of earn LeBron’s approval and respect. I think there’s an interesting quality to this now in Philly. I saw this here in Los Angeles in 2020, when Anthony Davis and LeBron James first got together for that full season, they won a championship. Anthony Davis was like trying to impress LeBron. Like, he played every game, There was a tide lift amongst the stars too with the LeBron James effect. That’s what I’ve been hearing out of Philly so far is this sort of LeBron is one of the greatest of all time, if not the greatest, and everybody kind of wants his approval"

— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) October 5, 2026

Prior to his signing, LeBron James had concerns regarding Embiid’s health. However, Embiid assured him that his health was in a good place and he was working out in the summer without any pain. ‘The King’ has even said he joined the 76ers to help Embiid win a championship.

LeBron James on Joel Embiid’s health heading into the new season

Joel Embiid’s recent physical transformation did not take long to make the rounds. While he may not be the player he once was, LeBron James‘ impact on his team can never be denied. He brings an unmatched pedigree and leadership to Philly’s locker room.

After their first training camp session, the four-time champion weighed in on Embiid’s health.

The difference between 2024 [Paris Olympics] and now is he’s just so much more healthier. He hasn’t missed a practice. Been in damn near everything that we’ve done. Actually it’s been great.

LeBron James in his press conference

James and Embiid did play together for Team USA during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The two had strong chemistry as starters and helped their country win gold. Compared to then, James said Embiid seems even healthier.

Embiid’s health will be a major factor heading into the 2026-27 campaign. The current roster has generated a lot of excitement in Philly, and they will need their center to stay healthy when it matters the most next year.

Joel Embiid is in the best situation, and his best version is yet to be seen

The 76ers were coming off another disappointing end to a season after getting clean-swept by the New York Knicks last season. After that embarrassing exit, the 76ers front office left no stone unturned this summer.

They began their summer by trading for Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics before signing LeBron James as a free agent. With Brown, James, and Tyrese Maxey by his side, Joel Embiid is surrounded by the best possible talent. In fact, it is even hard to argue against them having the most dominant team in the league.

Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins believes that Joel Embiid is in the best possible situation and the best version of him is yet to come.

I honestly think we get a whole new version of him and the reason I say that, this season is not the same level of responsibility that he’s had all the previous seasons. I think the best thing for Embiid is like LeBron said be available but the difference for this year he will be in shape the entire season.

DeMarcus Cousins on Gil’s Arena

DeMarcus Cousins says this is the best situation Joel Embiid has been in his entire career, and the best version of him is yet to be seen: “I honestly think we get a whole new version of him and the reason I say that, this season is not the same level of responsibility that he’s had all the previous seasons it’s a lot of shared responsibility now. I think the best thing for Embiid is like LeBron said be available but the difference for this year he will be in shape the entire season if he just does what he needs to do to help the team win we can work out the big performances later on in the year.” It’s definitely the most talented team Embiid has ever played on and it’s going to interesting how he looks because there could be nights he don’t have to be the 1,2,3 or 4th option on the team for them to be successful.

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) October 5, 2026

Embiid revealed that winning the championship is his main goal heading into the new season. He has all the tools needed to lift the title next year as Philly looks to end their 43-year wait for a championship.

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