LeBron James hasn't even made his debut for the Philadelphia 76ers yet, but fans are convinced him and Joel Embiid have issues to sort out behind the scenes.
A week ago, James agreed to sign a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers despite being linked to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat. The future Hall of Famer said he still wants to compete for a championship at the age of 41.
“This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship," James said. "I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time. Thank you LA. Miami I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always be home!”
While the 76ers have a former MVP on their roster in Embiid, he's not considered "the guy" on their roster. At least that's what James' longtime agent, Rich Paul, suggested on his "Game Over" podcast.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images.
Paul claims the 76ers are Tyrese Maxey's team. While it's possible he's just promoting one of his Klutch Sports clients, fans believe Paul is taking a dig at Embiid.
"Nah it’s still Joel Embiid’s team …Rich Paul is wrong on this," one fan replied.
"LeBron already creating narratives if this doesn't work is gonna be cuz Maxey or Embiid or Brown fault never LeBron remember this 76ers," a second fan wrote.
"Maxey can claim the team all he wants, but everyone knows they will still go exactly as far as Joel Embiid's health takes them in May," a third fan declared.
"I wish Rich Paul would shut up now before he starts making things real complicated in the locker room," another fan said.
Will the 76ers actually consider trading away Embiid?
During this week's edition of "Game Over," Max Kellerman suggested the 76ers should trade Embiid.
"I don't think the team can keep Embiid. He's a victim of his own excellence in the sense that I don't care how healthy he's feeling in the offseason, he's such a big piece to integrate and then have to work around [if he's hurt]. Every year of his career, it's always something else. If I'm the Sixers, I'm moving off Embiid.
Even though Paul dismissed that idea, his recent comments have fans questioning if James and Embiid can coexist in Philadelphia.
