The Philadelphia 76ers have plenty of reasons to feel optimistic entering the new season, but Joel Embiid’s offseason transformation may be the most encouraging development of all. His viral off-season transformation even drew an interesting reaction from co-star LeBron James.
Joel Embiid’s Viral Body Transformation Has LeBron James Fired Up
Landing James this offseason stands as one of the biggest moves the 76ers have made in franchise history. His arrival immediately vaulted Philadelphia into the championship conversation, given that the four-time NBA champion has led every one of his previous teams to an NBA title.
Embiid, alongside Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and the 76ers’ front office, played a direct role in recruiting the 41-year-old superstar to Philadelphia. Nick Nurse was the only head coach James spoke to during the three-week process. After helping convince James to join the franchise, Embiid now appears determined to prove the decision was the right one.
The regular season is still months away, but Embiid has already been putting in the work. Embiid posted images from an Aug. 5 practice-facility workout alongside VJ Edgecombe, looking noticeably slimmer than in previous seasons. The photos went viral, and James reshared one on his Instagram Story with a three-word caption Philadelphia knows well.
“Trust The Process,” James wrote on Instagram.
LeBron: “Trust The Process.” pic.twitter.com/umZxOWJplM
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 6, 2026
Embiid’s health has largely shaped the trajectory of his career in recent seasons. Since winning the 2022-23 NBA MVP award, injuries have repeatedly disrupted his momentum and limited his availability. Last season, the 76ers center appeared in just 38 games.
However, this offseason has been different. For the first time in years, Embiid entered the summer fully healthy, allowing him to focus entirely on conditioning, training, and preparing for the upcoming season.
On 97.5 The Fanatic, 76ers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey revealed that Embiid is in excellent physical condition and has completed a full offseason program without restrictions.
“This is one of the first offseasons he is healthy going into it,” Gansey said. “He is healthy; there are no restrictions. he has already been in the gym. His body looks good. He is in a great space. He is excited, he is motivated.”
Photos aren’t a medical chart. They can’t establish whether Embiid can handle a full workload or survive 82 games, and Philadelphia has been burned by August optimism before. Embiid was healthy for the 2026 playoffs and still labored through the second round, averaging 18.7 points as the Knicks swept the Sixers.
When James evaluated his free-agent options, Embiid personally reached out to address concerns about his health and long-term availability. Now, through his offseason commitment and physical transformation, Embiid appears focused on backing up those promises and showing the veteran superstar that Philadelphia can contend for a championship.
The 76ers roster now features one of the league’s most talented starting lineups, including Embiid, James, Jaylen Brown, Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe. Philadelphia also strengthened its depth with experienced veterans Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Anfernee Simons, and Dean Wade.
The books still have Oklahoma City and San Antonio ahead of Philadelphia, and that’s the right read until Embiid proves otherwise. Everything the Sixers built this summer runs through a center who has played 96 games in three years. If he answers that, the rest of the East has a problem. If he doesn’t, none of the other names matter.
