The arrival of LeBron James would solidify the championship expectations surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers next season. Nothing less than eternal glory would be accepted. A roster possessing that level of talent should excite Sixers fans, but for Joel Embiid, it should be seen as a double-edged sword. LeBron can take Embiid to heights he has never reached before, but if this experiment fails, Mike Gansey must move on from 'The Process' era.
LeBron's arrival would be Embiid's final shot at glory
Joel Embiid's time in the city of Philadelphia has been filled with literal blood, sweat, and tears, but for one reason or another, he remains without a championship ring. No matter who the superstar gets paired up with, he fails to reach the pinnacle of the NBA -- through no fault of his own.
The 76ers' current squad now possesses an intriguing mix of championship experience, two-way versatility, and players with genuine superstar quality. The acquisition of LeBron James would only reinforce this narrative. Creating a cohesive game plan during the opening months of the campaign may bring a few teething issues, but when this squad hits full flow, it has the potential to reach the NBA Finals.
Even in the 23rd year of his legendary career, LeBron James found a way to make a special impact with the Los Angeles Lakers. Over 60 appearances, the 41-year-old averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game.
If James does land in Philadelphia on a one-year contract and the franchise implodes under the immense expectation, how can Mike Gansey salvage the star-studded roster he has constructed to go again the following year? Well, Embiid may fall victim to that answer.
Mike Gansey has already proven he suffers no fools
While describing Embiid -- or Paul George for that matter -- as a fool seems harsh, the premise of the statement seems fitting here. Mike Gansey swiftly decided that George was not a player who could propel the 76ers into championship contention. If Embiid fails to reach the heights that Philadelphia so desperately craves, then he may be the next star on the chopping block.
It already feels as if there has been a tentative shift for the Philadelphia 76ers. Embiid may have already vacated his role as the face of the franchise. Jaylen Brown is ready-made for the leading role of this team, and given Embiid's current injury record, the squad may need another leader to look up to. So come the end of the season, the 2023 MVP may not be indispensable to the Sixers, and his departure could feel significantly more palpable.
Constructing a roster around Brown rather than Embiid is not a major downgrade. When available, Embiid's dominance on the floor has been truly remarkable, but his current legacy is plagued by ifs and buts. If he again falls on the wrong side of Lady Luck, his role in Philadelphia may become too expensive a burden to carry.
If Joel Embiid is partnered with LeBron James for the 2026-27 campaign, there is no reason the Philadelphia 76ers can't make a serious championship run. However, if this last-ditch attempt at glory fails, Mike Gansey must make a major decision about the future of the franchise -- and that could be without Embiid in it.
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