In the whirlwind of LeBron James' stunning decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers and join the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason, one old piece of social media history has come back to haunt the Sixers' locker room. Back in the summer of 2018, when LeBron was weighing his options after leaving Cleveland, Joel Embiid fired off a tweet that now feels like a time capsule with a twist.
On June 30, 2018, Embiid took to X (then Twitter) and wrote: “The Lakers are FOREVER gonna be Kobe’s and Magic’s team…. Process that.” It was a bold pitch aimed at convincing LeBron that his legacy would be better served in Philadelphia than in the shadow of Lakers legends. But now that LeBron has chosen the 76ers, that tweet has resurfaced, and fans are having a field day with it.
Fan Reactions Pour In
The internet didn't waste any time. NBA fans quickly dug up the old post and began questioning how LeBron might feel knowing his new teammate once dismissed his future franchise. One user on X summed it up: “Bron finna be sharing a changing room with a guy who was slandering his sperm and a guy who wrote off his lakers tenure before it started.” The comment referenced not only Embiid's tweet but also past remarks from Sixers coach about LeBron's son.
Another fan wrote: “Embiid said this. Brown called his kid trash. Can’t wait for this to all explode.” A third added with laughing emojis: “And he went to ring chase with this.” The general sentiment: the Sixers might need a serious airing of grievances before the season even starts.
The Context of the Tweet
At the time, the 76ers were among several teams hoping to land LeBron as a free agent. Embiid's message was part of a wider recruitment effort, but it also reflected a common belief that the Lakers' identity was tied to Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant. Fast forward to 2025, and LeBron actually did spend eight seasons with the Lakers, winning a championship in 2020. But now, at age 41 and entering his 24th NBA season, he's chosen to join forces with Embiid and Jaylen Brown in Philadelphia.
The signing came after a lengthy free agency period where LeBron informed the Lakers he would not return. Teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Golden State Warriors were all linked to him, but ultimately the 76ers got him to sign at a discount. The move instantly made Philadelphia a preseason favorite for the 2027 NBA Finals.
What This Means for the Sixers' Chemistry
While the on-court potential is undeniable, the off-court dynamics are already being scrutinized. Embiid's old tweet, combined with other past comments from the Sixers organization, raises questions about how smoothly this super-team will mesh. Some analysts suggest that LeBron's decision to join a team where a star player once publicly belittled his future home could be a recipe for tension. Others point to the fact that LeBron has always thrived on proving doubters wrong.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how Embiid and LeBron navigate this awkward history. The Sixers have also added another LeBron pal in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, which might help smooth things over. But the resurfaced tweet serves as a reminder that in the NBA, the internet never forgets—and the pressure is on for this star-studded roster to deliver.
