LeBron James Picked the 76ers. Joel Embiid’s Health Decides What Happens Next.

LeBron James didn’t come to Philadelphia just for the cheesesteaks or the payroll flexibility. He came because of Joel Embiid.

Multiple sources confirmed that Embiid played a central role in James’ decision to sign with the 76ers. The two had several conversations before LeBron made his choice, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. What exactly they talked about isn’t public. But the outcome suggests Embiid said what needed to be said.

The durability question nobody can avoid

Here’s the thing. LeBron knew the risk. Embiid has missed 495 games in his career versus 490 played. That’s not a typo. The man has sat out more often than he’s suited up. And LeBron, who played 71 games last season alone at age 39, had to weigh that math carefully.

But talent is talent. And Embiid has it in spades. LeBron has always respected Embiid’s basketball IQ and skill set. Those aren’t the issue. The issue is whether Embiid can stay on the floor when it matters most — April, May, June.

One league source put it bluntly: ‘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. 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.’

More than just Embiid

It wasn’t only the big fella who sold LeBron. Charania reported that James’ comfort with the 76ers front office mattered. So did his agent Rich Paul’s working relationship with owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer. Familiarity counts when you’re uprooting your life at 40.

But make no mistake. Embiid was the gravitational force. He averaged 34.7 points per game two seasons ago and looked unstoppable when healthy. The problem has always been the ‘when healthy’ part. He played just 57 games across the last two regular seasons combined. That’s fewer than LeBron played last year alone.

If Embiid can stay on the court, this team has everything. Jaylen Brown is a Finals MVP. Tyrese Maxey took another leap last year. VJ Edgecombe is only getting better as a sophomore. The supporting cast is deep enough that Embiid could afford to pick his spots during the regular season, saving his body for the playoffs.

The Cameroonian American center remains the hinge this whole thing swings on. LeBron knows it. The front office knows it. And Embiid knows it too. Fingers crossed probably doesn’t begin to cover it.