LeBron says signing with 76ers aims to help Embiid win first title

LeBron James said on the Sept. 25, 2026 Mind the Game podcast with Steve Nash that helping Joel Embiid win a first NBA championship was a central reason he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. James, 41 with four titles, joined in July 2026 for the 2026-27 season. He said Embiid has been MVP, has a gold medal, All-Star nods, signature shoes, money and a city on his back, and that he hopes to be "that final little piece that can help him get over the hump" and show a different day-to-day process. Embiid won the 2022-23 MVP, is a seven-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, and got a reported three-year, $192.9 million extension in 2024. Philadelphia has not reached the Finals in his tenure since the 2014 draft. He played 38 games in 2025-26 averaging 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists. After an April 2026 appendectomy he scored 34 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in a Game 7 win over Boston; the 76ers then lost to the Knicks as he played through an ankle injury and sore hip. Nash called Embiid's health one of the most disappointing issues and the big question. The 76ers also added Jaylen Brown and Anfernee Simons.