SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Golden State Warriors during the first half at Chase Center on December 25, 2024 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Since the Philadelphia 76ers selected Joel Embiid in the 2014 draft, the franchise has built around the 7-foot center. It has not always gone smoothly, as Embiid has sustained numerous injuries, curtailing the team’s postseason hopes. Now, with the 76ers agreeing to a two-year deal with LeBron James, they do not have to worry as much about whether Embiid will be healthy.
By signing James, the 76ers culminated a busy offseason that puts them as a favorite for the Eastern Conference title and in contention for their first NBA championship since 1983. Two days after the 76ers lost to the New York Knicks in a four-game sweep in the second round of the playoffs in May, managing partner Josh Harris fired Daryl Morey, who had been president of basketball operations for six seasons.
