LeBron James just endured a playoff run where two of his co-stars battled injuries and willingly accepted a scenario that invited increased likelihood of similar circumstances repeating themselves. The now officially former Los Angeles Lakers star chose to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Shams Charania reported that LeBron inked a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers. That contract included a player option for the second season. It also included James signing himself up for the Joel Embiid experience amid an open desire to pursue one more NBA championship before he retires.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves missing time in this year's Lakers playoff run was unfortunate. It was also unforeseen. While the two have dealt with injuries like any other stars would, there has not been a long history of their bodies significantly slowing down. Embiid is a different, and unfortunate, story.
The 76ers center has been a fantastic player at the peak of his powers. However, Embiid has also only played a total of 96 regular season games over the last three seasons, with varying levels of production. That is going to be a massive obstacle for LeBron and Philadelphia moving forward.
LeBron James choosing the 76ers means accepting Joel Embiid's health issues
The 76ers have a ton more talent beyond just Embiid. One could easily argue that with Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown around, their star center is only their third (or even fourth) best player heading into next season. However, there are two main reasons why his health still weighs heavily on the franchise.
For one, the depth behind Embiid at center is far from elite. Generously, one could describe the names after Joel as serviceable. Uninspiring would be just as fitting, though.
The second factor why Embiid's availability matters so much is just how much of the 76ers' financial flexibility he eats up. The former MVP is earning close to $58 million next season. That makes his contract pretty untradeable, given his health concerns.
It also limits what the 76ers can do to improve around that big deal. Essentially, Philadelphia just need Embiid to be available and playing great basketball. That much, as explained, is very far from a guarantee.
Doncic and Reaves have their flaws, but there is an argument to be made that James ruling out the Lakers from the jump kept him from making the actual best decision to chase a title. Los Angeles does look mightily improved after the offseason they have enjoyed after all.
The Lakers even have a vacancy open at a starting forward spot. That could have been filled by James in an alternate reality. In this one, LeBron will be hoping for the remainder of his time in the NBA that Embiid can stay on the court beside him.
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