LeBron James has revealed one of the biggest reasons he chose the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason.
In an unexpected career move, James chose the Sixers in his latest free-agency decision after spending the last eight seasons playing for the Los Angeles Lakers and winning a championship with the California-based franchise.
Speaking on the “Mind the Game” podcast with Steve Nash on Friday, James finally revealed the reasons he chose Philadelphia and explained that helping Joel Embiid capture his first NBA championship was one of the most important factors behind his decision.
“One of the most important, to be honest, is the big fella,” James said. “He’s done everything in our league, and the only thing he has not done is win a championship. And I want to try to help him get that first one.”
James pointed to Embiid’s career-wide accomplishments before explaining what he hopes to provide his new teammate.
“He has the city on his back,” James said. “He’s been ‘The Process’ for 10 years, 12 years, however long he’s been there, but I think it’s time now we dig even deeper into the process.
“I hope that I can be that final little piece that can help him get over the hump and have him see it just a little bit differently than he’s seen it in his career as far as the day-to-day process and the day-to-day of what it takes to get there.”
Embiid has never advanced beyond the Eastern Conference semifinals. The 76ers went 45-37 last season before the eventual champion New York Knicks swept them in the second round.
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James mentioned his longstanding friendship with Tyrese Maxey and Philadelphia’s acquisition of Jaylen Brown as other significant things impacting his choice.
Discussing James’ comments, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that the four-time champion and Embiid indeed had “multiple lengthy conversations” before James made his decision.
“I was told that there were multiple lengthy conversations between Joel Embiid and LeBron James in the lead-up to LeBron deciding to pick the Philadelphia 76ers,” McMenamin said. “They’ve talked about all sorts of things, lineup combinations, what they like, what they don’t like.”
James is scheduled to meet reporters Monday at Philadelphia’s media day before training camp opens next week.
