LeBron James could change Joel Embiid’s career
According to Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James could be the key to unlocking the best version of Joel Embiid. The Lakers legend believes the revamped Philadelphia 76ers have the potential to become one of the NBA’s most dangerous teams
The arrival of LeBron James in Philadelphia through NBA free agency has reshaped the landscape of the Eastern Conference. While the four-time NBA champion brings unmatched leadership, experience, and even significant financial value to the franchise, his greatest impact may ultimately be on the career and performance of Joel Embiid.
During a lively episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, Shaquille O’Neal and the longtime ESPN host discussed the true ceiling of the new-look 76ers. In typical Shaq fashion, the Hall of Famer shifted the focus away from LeBron and toward the Cameroonian center.
It’s time for Joel to take that final step
Shaquille O’Neal
When Stephen A. Smith pushed back by pointing to Embiid’s recurring injury issues and the more than 150 games he has missed over the past three seasons, O’Neal doubled down with a bold prediction.
I’ll tell you this, and I’m saying it right now: he’ll stay healthy this year. Joel Embiid is going to dominate the season. You heard it here first – he’ll be the best big man in the league, he’ll surpass Jokic, and he’ll finally put in the work the way he needs to
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq’s comments paint an exciting picture for Philadelphia, a team that, following the signing of LeBron James, still has a major on-court challenge to solve. According to the discussion, Embiid’s confidence in his own health was one of the key factors that helped convince LeBron to join the 76ers.
In addition, with Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe emerging as foundational pieces for the future, along with the arrival of proven winner Jaylen Brown, the franchise has finally built a strong supporting cast around its franchise center.
No longer forced to carry the entire offensive load throughout the regular season, Embiid should be able to better manage his workload and arrive at the playoffs in peak condition. If his health holds up, the combination of LeBron’s playmaking, the youthful energy of Maxey and Edgecombe, Brown’s defense, and Embiid’s overwhelming physical dominance could finally deliver Philadelphia the NBA championship that has eluded the franchise since 1983.