Joel Embiid 'LeBron Approval' Rumor Draws Pushback From NBA Insider

Ramona Shelburne said Monday that everybody in Philadelphia 76ers camp is trying to earn LeBron James's approval and respect. Reports say Joel Embiid is as light as he has been since his 2014-15 rookie season. Sam Vecenie isn't buying it. He doubts Embiid is back to his rookie weight or that James is what's driving him, and he notes Embiid hasn't played 40 games in three years. The hype around Philly is real after a trade for Jaylen Brown and a discounted free agency deal for James. At 32, though, Embiid's bigger motivators are personal pride, control of his future and one more strong shot at a title.