The Los Angeles Lakers are 10-7 after 17 games and desperately need to make a move to improve the roster.
As presently constructed, they will not contend for a title. And with LeBron James’ career officially on the clock – the franchise needs to do something.
Meanwhile, over in Philly, the Philadelphia 76ers are facing an inevitable rebuild situation. The team is turning on Joel Embiid and it is becoming abundantly clear that ‘The Process’ has failed.
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Last week, Embiid was linked to a blockbuster trade proposal involving an Eastern Conference rival.
This week, a report revealed the Lakers’ best trade offer to the 76ers for Embiid.
In the proposed deal, Philly would receive D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, a 2029 First Rounder, and a 2031 First Rounder.
L.A., meanwhile, would walk away with Embiid.
“This package, however, leans more toward a rebuild-friendly haul,” the report notes.
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“Austin Reaves is an exciting young guard with playmaking skills. Dalton Knecht, a rookie, has shown flashes of shooting and scoring potential with a 37-point game. Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell round out the deal as solid contributors, while the 2029 and 2031 first-round picks add some long-term value.”
L.A., meanwhile, would have three legitimate superstars to try and make one final run during what is left of James’ career. Even at 39 years old he is better than most of the so-called superstars on contending squads in 2024.
A trio of James, Davis and Embiid would be a legitimate threat to win the NBA championship for the next two years.
It has become clear over the last few weeks that Embiid’s time with the 76ers is coming to an end.
That experiment has failed.
The question now is where all parties go from here.
Could Embiid end up in purple and gold when everything is said and done? Time will tell.
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A Review of Joel Embiid’s NBA Career: Dominant Center’s Journey to Stardom
Joel Embiid’s journey in the NBA has been nothing short of remarkable. The Cameroonian-born center for the Philadelphia 76ers has established himself as one of the most dominant players in the league.
Despite a rocky start plagued by injuries, Embiid’s resilience and unwavering confidence have propelled him to the top echelons of basketball stardom.
Embiid’s impact on the court is undeniable, with career averages that showcase his versatility and prowess as a modern big man.
His scoring ability, defensive presence, and leadership have transformed the 76ers into perennial playoff contenders.
The 2022-23 season saw Embiid reach new heights, averaging a career-high 33.1 points per game and claiming the NBA MVP award.
While Embiid’s on-court performances continue to impress, questions about his professionalism have emerged.
Recent reports suggest that his tardiness and leadership style have been topics of discussion within the team and the broader NBA community.
These concerns add an intriguing layer to the narrative of Embiid’s career, highlighting the complexities of stardom in professional sports.
Rise to Stardom
Joel Embiid’s journey from Cameroon to NBA superstardom is a tale of rapid development and overcoming adversity. His path included stops at Montverde Academy and the University of Kansas before joining the Philadelphia 76ers.
Early Life and College Career
Joel Embiid was born in Cameroon in 1994. He initially played volleyball and soccer before discovering basketball at age 15.
His natural athleticism and size caught the attention of Luc Mbah a Moute, who helped Embiid move to the United States.
Embiid attended Montverde Academy in Florida, honing his skills alongside future NBA players. He then played one season at the University of Kansas, averaging 11.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.
Despite his limited experience, Embiid’s potential was evident. His combination of size, agility, and skill made him a top prospect for the NBA draft.
Draft and Rookie Season
The Philadelphia 76ers selected Embiid third overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. However, a foot injury sidelined him for his entire rookie season.
Embiid’s NBA debut was further delayed by another foot surgery, causing him to miss the 2015-16 season as well. This period tested his resilience and commitment to the sport.
When Embiid finally took the court in 2016, he showed flashes of brilliance. He averaged 20.2 points and 7.8 rebounds in just 25.4 minutes per game, earning All-Rookie First Team honors despite playing only 31 games.
Breakout and Becoming an All-Star
The 2017-18 season marked Embiid’s true breakout. He played 63 games, averaging 22.9 points and 11 rebounds. His dominance on both ends of the court earned him his first All-Star selection.
Embiid’s efficiency and impact continued to grow.
In the 2018-19 season, he posted career-highs of 27.5 points and 13.6 rebounds per game, solidifying his status as one of the NBA’s elite centers.
His rise to stardom was complete when he finished second in MVP voting for the 2020-21 season. Embiid’s combination of scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess made him a cornerstone of the 76ers and one of the most dominant players in NBA history.
In 2023 Embiid finally got over the mountaintop and was named the NBA’s MVP in controversial fashion, but playoff success has continued to elude him.
Legacy and Impact
Joel Embiid’s NBA career has left an indelible mark on the league, shaping both the present and future of basketball. His dominance on the court and charismatic personality off it have cemented his place among the game’s elite.
Comparison with NBA Legends
Embiid’s statistical prowess draws comparisons to some of the greatest big men in NBA history.
His scoring ability mirrors that of Shaquille O’Neal, while his footwork and finesse evoke memories of Hakeem Olajuwon.
Embiid’s career averages in points, rebounds, and blocks place him in elite company with legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
His field goal percentage and points per 36 minutes rival those of dominant centers from previous eras.
Embiid’s ability to stretch the floor and shoot three-pointers sets him apart from traditional big men, drawing parallels to modern versatile forwards like Dirk Nowitzki.
MVP Achievements and Scoring Titles
Embiid’s crowning achievement came in the 2022-23 season when he secured the NBA MVP award. This accolade validated his status as one of the league’s premier players, joining an exclusive club of centers to win the honor.
His scoring prowess has been equally impressive, with multiple scoring titles to his name.
Embiid’s points per game averages consistently rank among the league leaders, often surpassing 30 points per game. His ability to dominate games offensively has led to numerous 30-point performances, rivaling the output of perimeter scorers like Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Performance in Playoffs and Finals
Embiid’s playoff performances have been a mix of brilliance and frustration.
He has led the Philadelphia 76ers to multiple Eastern Conference Semifinals appearances, showcasing his ability to elevate his game when it matters most.
However, injuries and tough matchups have sometimes hindered his postseason success.
Embiid’s durability concerns have occasionally impacted his availability in crucial playoff games. Despite these challenges, his impact in the playoffs is undeniable, with several standout performances at the Wells Fargo Center.
Influence Beyond the Court
Off the court, Embiid’s charismatic personality and social media presence have made him a fan favorite.
His confidence and wit in interviews draw comparisons to Charles Barkley, endearing him to basketball fans worldwide.
Embiid’s journey from Cameroon to NBA stardom has inspired young players globally.
His success has paved the way for more international big men to pursue their NBA dreams.
Embiid’s philanthropic efforts, particularly in Philadelphia and his home country, showcase his commitment to giving back to the community.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.