I know the Philadelphia 76ers just signed LeBron James, who many consider the greatest basketball player of all time. That's a belief I don't agree with, but that's a discussion for another day.
What can't be denied is that, even at 41, LeBron James continues to play at an incredibly high level. His basketball skills, elite basketball IQ, and decades of experience will undoubtedly make the Philadelphia 76ers a better team this season.
There's no question the 76ers have assembled a championship-caliber roster. Their offseason became even more impressive with the addition of Jaylen Brown, who helped lead the Boston Celtics to the 2024 NBA Championship.
During that title run, Brown earned both the Eastern Conference Finals MVP and the NBA Finals MVP awards, proving he can perform at the highest level when the stakes are greatest. Now the 76ers have two proven NBA champions leading the way.
The team also features one of the NBA's brightest young stars in Tyrese Maxey. Every season, Maxey continues to improve, and he has the talent, work ethic, and potential to develop into one of the game's all-time great guards.
Then there's Joel Embiid.
Just a few seasons ago, Embiid was widely regarded as the best center in basketball. He has won an NBA Most Valuable Player Award and multiple scoring titles. His combination of size, footwork, soft shooting touch, strength, agility, rebounding, shot-blocking, and offensive skill makes him one of the most gifted centers the league has ever seen.
Joel Embiid has Hall of Fame talent. At one point, many believed he was on pace to challenge for recognition as one of the greatest centers in NBA history. Unfortunately, there's one opponent he hasn't been able to defeat: his own body.
Throughout his career, Embiid has missed more than 490 regular-season games because of injuries. Every season seems to bring another setback, preventing him from consistently reaching his full potential when it matters most.
That may be why LeBron James' arrival could mean more than just adding another superstar.
LeBron has built a legendary reputation for taking care of his body. His commitment to conditioning, nutrition, recovery, and preparation has allowed him to perform at an elite level well into his 40s.
Perhaps his professionalism and daily habits can motivate, or even help, inspire Embiid to prepare his body differently for what could be the most important season of his career.
The expectations in Philadelphia have never been higher.
LeBron reportedly signed a two-year contract because he believes he still has time to win two more NBA championships before retiring. If he accomplishes that, he would finish his career with six NBA championships.
In LeBron's mind, that may finally end the GOAT debate and convince many people that he, not Michael Jordan, is the greatest player in NBA history.
Would that change my opinion? Maybe.
If LeBron leads Philadelphia to two championships at this stage of his career, I would have to seriously reconsider my position on the Michael Jordan versus LeBron James debate.
But before we even get to that conversation, one thing has to happen first. The key to the Philadelphia 76ers winning an NBA championship isn't LeBron James. It isn't Jaylen Brown. It isn't Tyrese Maxey.
It's Joel Embiid.
Everything depends on Embiid staying healthy. If Joel Embiid is healthy when the playoffs begin, the 76ers will have as good a chance as anyone to win the NBA championship.
If he isn't, all the talent in the world may not be enough. I believe Joel Embiid is the key to Philadelphia's championship hopes. I believe LeBron James knows that.
And I think deep down, every 76ers fan knows it too.
Louie Lou Media
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