Joel Embiid's Updated Weight Revealed in New NBA Rumors Since LeBron James' Arrival to 76ers

It hasn't been much of a secret that Joel Embiid showed up to the Philadelphia 76ers' training camp looking far slimmer than in years past after finally being healthy enough in the offseason to focus on training and conditioning rather than injury rehab.

On Monday, ESPN's Ramona Shelburne offered more details on the superstar center's physical transformation.

"I've been hearing Embiid's getting to the gym early, he's down to his rookie weight, this is a new Joel," she said on NBA Today . "Everybody's trying to kind of earn LeBron James' approval and respect. I think there's an interesting quality to this now in Philly. I saw this here in Los Angeles in 2020, when Anthony Davis and James first got together for that full season, they won a championship. Davis was like trying to impress LeBron. Like, he played every game, There was a tide lift amongst the stars too with the James' effect. That's what I've been hearing out of Philly so far is this sort of, LeBron is one of the greatest of all time, if not the greatest, and everybody kind of wants his approval."

James brings an unmatched pedigree to Philadelphia, no doubt, although the desire to win a championship is strong for Embiid regardless of the King's presence.

LeBron has said he's hoping to be the " final little piece " that helps Embiid get a championship, comments that Embiid appreciated.

"You're talking about one of the greatest players to ever play, if not the greatest. To have him say that, in kinda validates—not so much what I've accomplished, but the way my peers think about me," he told ESPN's Malika Andrews (3:30 mark). "I'm at the point in my career where I just want, I need to win. Between everything that's happened, that would be a good ending for the city of Philadelphia and they deserve it."

But with a healthy offseason, the 32-year-old Embiid has also helped his own cause, and folks in Philadelphia have taken notice.

"We got a plan together, and he's been in every single drill, every single practice," president of basketball operations Mike Gansey told reporters while discussing the team's plans for keeping Embiid healthy this season. "So there's been no restrictions. Obviously, worked super hard this summer. He told me he was motivated. He wanted to have a great year, and he's showing it out there. Looks a little bit lighter, obviously, but the skill level is still there. I mean, some of the stuff he does now seeing it in person, like it's incredible to watch some of the stuff he does on the floor. So we're excited about him, and he's been good this first week."

A healthy Embiid, plus the additions of James and Jaylen Brown and the return of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe has the potential to be special. There is plenty to figure out from a chemistry and roles perspective, but the talent on hand is absurd.