Joel Embiid Almost Became a Laker? LeBron James’ Cryptic Message Had NBA GMs in Chaos

Published 02/14/2024, 9:33 AM EST

A week before the trade deadline, the NBA would be shaken to its core. Following a loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James seemed driven to the edge. He was blunt and refused to provide any advice to his defeated teammates. Moreover, he sent out a cryptic tweet. An hourglass during the trade deadline. It painted a picture that something was brewing in the background. Everything made it seem like James was looking at a trade.

The deadline passed silently, however. King remained in LA and the Lakers stayed pat. That doesn’t mean conversations weren’t held. In a report by Adrian Wojnarowski, the NBA insider claims James’ behavior did lead to suspicions among the various NBA general managers. Amongst those who had their interest piqued were the Philadelphia 76ers.

Daryl Morey reportedly reached out to Rob Pelinka asking whether James’ actions were indicative of his desire to leave LA. The Lakers GM cross-questioned him regarding the status of their best player – Joel Embiid.

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LeBron James for Joel Embiid?

LeBron James venting his frustrations, sending cryptic tweets were all looked at as signs around the NBA. Immediately various teams began curating offers. Even at 39, the Akron Hammer has sustained an All-NBA level play. His defying the laws of age make him a valuable player for any side hopeful of winning the title.

The Sixers were very well on that road. Embiid was having a monstrous campaign, on par to make history and join Wilt Chamberlain. Tyrese Maxey grew into an All-Star after James Harden‘s departure. The roster was still competent. However, a move of the magnitude of LeBron James coming to Philly would almost ensure a title.

So, Morey, who has recently been under fire by Harden and Patrick Beverley for ‘lying’ reached out to Pelinka. Like everyone, he wanted to know whether James had any intentions of leaving LA. It wasn’t the first time he had taken such a bold step according to Woj. The Sixers head of basketball operations was previously after breaking the Suns’ big 3, making inquiries for Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.

He approached Pelinka without any offer. All he wanted to know was whether James was interested in moving.

Pelinka refused. He said the Lakers had no intentions of parting ways with the 20-time All-Star. But just to tease any blockbuster trade, he was curious about someone in Philly, namely, countering an offer for LeBron James, Pelinka asked whether the Sixers were open to trading Embiid. In hindsight yes, it was mostly sarcastic.

His response “ended that brief conversation” as Wojnarowski stated in his ESPN report.

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Even if there were a scenario where LeBron James was available, the Sixers would have to empty out some priced players in their roster. If Embiid wouldn’t cut it, it would have to be Maxey and Harris. Ultimately, they would lose multiple championship pieces to gain a King James. Whether it would have paid off can only be debated.

Historically, LeBron James works splendidly well with a high production center. Joel Embiid had the most scoring output in the entire NBA averaging 36 points. It would be monumental if they did team up. James, a freight train and one of the great playmakers besides Embiid, an indomitable scorer who was on historic pace.

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However, it just wasn’t meant to be.

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Having composed close to 2000 articles, he aspires to manage his own team one day and is pursuing a top-tier college-level management program specializing in sports. Anuj's love for basketball blossomed after he started following the NBA a few years ago, and he decided to merge his writing skills with his understanding of this thrilling game.

Edited by:

Caroline Joseph

Joel Embiid Almost Became a Laker? LeBron James’ Cryptic Message Had NBA GMs in Chaos

LeBron James for Joel Embiid?

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