RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half of Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) Getty
LeBron James is already embracing one of the Philadelphia 76ersâ most recognizable rallying cries.
James reshared a photo of Joel Embiid participating in an offseason workout on his Instagram Story and added a three-word message: âTrust The Process!â
The image showed a smiling Embiid holding a basketball alongside a teammate at Philadelphiaâs practice facility. The 76ers originally included the photo in an August 5 carousel captioned âsummer reps.â
Jamesâ response represented more than a routine social-media endorsement. Philadelphiaâs championship outlook will depend heavily on the partnership between James and Embiid, making his public show of confidence in the franchise center especially notable.
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LeBron James Embraces Joel Embiidâs Philadelphia Identity
âTrust the Processâ has been connected to the 76ers throughout Embiidâs career and ultimately became inseparable from the star centerâs identity.
Embiid embraced the rebuilding-era slogan so completely that he began calling himself âThe Process.â It eventually followed him from Philadelphiaâs difficult rebuilding years into his rise as an NBA MVP and the centerpiece of a perennial playoff team.
James invoking the phrase is therefore a pointed endorsement of Embiid rather than a generic message of encouragement.
The veteran forward tagged Embiid in the Instagram Story and placed the slogan prominently beneath the workout image. The post suggested James understands both Embiidâs importance to the roster and the deeper meaning the center holds for Philadelphia fans.
James officially joined the 76ers in July and will wear No. 23, placing him on a roster that also features Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and V.J. Edgecombe.
The arrival of a four-time champion immediately raised expectations. It also made Jamesâ relationship with Embiid one of the NBAâs most consequential new partnerships.
Embiidâs Offseason Appearance Draws More Optimism
The 76ersâ photos generated attention because Embiid appeared noticeably lean during the workout.
Supporters flooded the original post with positive comments about his conditioning and the possibility of entering the season healthy. James then amplified the optimism by sharing the photo with his massive social following.
Still images cannot establish Embiidâs medical condition, readiness for a full workload or ability to withstand an entire NBA season. Philadelphiaâs post did not include a formal health update or details about any restrictions.
The pictures did show Embiid on the court, handling a basketball and participating in offseason work. That is an encouraging visual for a team whose ceiling remains closely tied to his availability.
His recent injury history explains why seemingly ordinary practice photos can become significant. Philadelphia has repeatedly had to account for periods without its franchise center, including an oblique strain that sidelined him for multiple games during the 2025-26 season.
The real test will come when training camp begins and the 76ers establish how Embiid will be managed during the regular season.
James and Embiid Face Immediate Championship Expectations
Jamesâ message also reflects the stakes surrounding Philadelphiaâs newly assembled roster.
The 76ers did not bring James aboard merely to improve their regular-season record. His arrival alongside Embiid and the rest of Philadelphiaâs star-heavy group created an expectation that the team can contend immediately.
For that to happen, Embiid must remain healthy enough to anchor the offense and defense during the postseason. James, meanwhile, will be expected to reduce some of the playmaking and leadership burden that has rested on Embiid.
Their styles offer obvious possibilities. Embiid commands double teams in the half court, while James has spent his career identifying defensive weaknesses and creating efficient opportunities for teammates. Their combined size and passing could make Philadelphia difficult to defend when both are available.
There are still unanswered questions about workload, chemistry and how the 76ers will distribute possessions among multiple accomplished scorers. But Jamesâ first public signals have been supportive.
His latest one required only three wordsâand used a phrase Philadelphia already knows well.
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