LeBron James Had Serious Concerns Over Joel Embiid's "Durability" Before Signing With 76ers

LeBron James considered nearly a million factors before picking the Philadelphia 76ers as his next NBA destination. But one that intrigued him the most was the health of a potential teammate who has a questionable fitness record, to say the least.

According to a report from ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, LeBron James was curious about Joel Embiid's availability. Although there were no doubts over Embiid's ability, Shelburne revealed that James questioned Embiid's durability.

Joel Embiid played only 57 games over the past two regular seasons. LeBron James played 60 games in the last season alone and averaged 33.2 minutes per game.

Embiid even had to miss out on both the 76ers' playoff series in 2026. But it is worth noting that it was due to an appendicitis surgery, and not his usual knee problems.

Joel Embiid has had an injury-riddled career so far. He missed his first two entire seasons due to knee, foot, and facial issues. Despite making a roaring comeback with an All-Rookie honor, the issues never went away.

A meniscus tear in 2021, an LCL sprain in 2023, a bizarre Bell's palsy affecting facial movement in 2024, and an unexpected appendicitis surgery in 2026- he had his fair share of availability issues.

But having said to have played a key role in convincing LeBron James to pick the 76ers, Embiid might have given a detailed account of his readiness for the upcoming season.

Having won the gold medal together at the Paris Olympics in 2024, James was a huge admirer of Embiid's high basketball IQ and quality. Besides, Embiid almost played a key role in bringing LeBron James to the 76ers in 2018.

However, the attempts ultimately succeeded in 2026. Many believed LeBron James was ready to hang up his kicks as one of the best players of all time, but he chose another challenge. A move to the Eastern Conference with the 76ers particularly caught everyone off-guard.

Despite not winning the league title in over 43 years, a league source believes the union of Embiid and LeBron James could do the trick for the 76ers.

Embiid tipped to be the glue to the 76ers' chances

LeBron James was convinced by multiple players and coaches in Philadelphia, according to multiple reports. The arrival of Jaylen Brown in a shock trade strengthened their case for forming a superteam.

But a league source close to the 76ers camp told ESPN that Embiid still holds the keys for how this LeBron James swansong might go.

"It all comes down to Joel. If it's Tyrese, VJ, Jaylen Brown, LeBron and Adem Bona, that's not a championship team. But if it's those four guys and Joel, that's a championship team," the source said.

The source also warned of potential criticism that could come Embiid's way if the project fails. But he chose to believe that if anyone could make it work, it was Embiid.

"That's not to say it's Joel's fault if it doesn't go well. He might get blamed anyway. But more that he can be the reason they win -- and LeBron can really help him."

But not everyone was convinced by LeBron James' choice. Brendan Haywood, one of James' former teammates, believed LeBron wasn't the ideal fit for the 76ers.

"They needed somebody else at the four that was like an active stretch big. I just don't really love the fit for LeBron on this team," Haywood said.

The jury is out on LeBron James' move to the 76ers, and the debate will rage on until the ball is tipped off at the Xfinity Mobile Arena with Joel Embiid and LeBron James leading the 76ers.