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LeBron James Faces Injury Concerns in First Season with 76ers
Confirmed
In Short: The Sixers are entering the season with injury concerns, as center Hukporti is set to undergo season-ending surgery after a non-contact injury during a preseason game.
LeBron James, the eight oldest player in NBA history to start a season, has joined the Philadelphia 76ers in a bid for his fifth championship.
James, who turned 42 in December, has faced nagging injuries during his tenure with the Lakers, including chronic arthritis in his left foot and sciatica in his lower back.
ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported that James' left foot arthritis requires special attention from the Sixers' medical staff.
The 24-season record holder is now in his first week of practice with the Sixers, where he is wearing No. 9 out of respect for Hall of Famer Julius Erving, whose No. 6 is retired.
The Sixers are entering the season with injury concerns, as center Hukporti is set to undergo season-ending surgery after a non-contact injury during a preseason game.
Joel Embiid, the team's star center, has a history of back issues and has not appeared in more than 40 games since the 2022-23 season.
Adem Bona, Embiid's projected backup, is also dealing with a foot injury and has yet to participate in team workouts this preseason.
Philadelphia opens its regular season against the Knicks on October 14, with the team facing scrutiny at the center position.
James' decision to wear No. 9 during practice has turned heads, as it is the only known instance of him wearing a number other than his traditional No. 6.
James, a 22-time All-Star and four-time NBA MVP, is already one of the greatest players in basketball history.
The Sixers' injury history is among the most dubious in the NBA, with the team facing challenges as they aim to win a championship with James, Jaylen Brown, and their star-studded roster.
What this adds
The Sixers' injury concerns extend beyond Hukporti and Embiid, with the team's recent history of injuries potentially impacting their championship aspirations.
Background
LeBron James tweeted praise for Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith after his record-breaking performance.
What's confirmed
- LeBron James, the eight oldest player in NBA history to start a season, has joined the Philadelphia 76ers in a bid for his fifth championship.
- James, who turned 42 in December, has faced nagging injuries during his tenure with the Lakers, including chronic arthritis in his left foot and sciatica in his lower back.
- ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported that James' left foot arthritis requires special attention from the Sixers' medical staff.
- The 24-season record holder is now in his first week of practice with the Sixers, where he is wearing No. 9 out of respect for Hall of Famer Julius Erving, whose No. 6 is retired.
- The Sixers are entering the season with injury concerns, as center Hukporti is set to undergo season-ending surgery after a non-contact injury during a preseason game.
- Joel Embiid, the team's star center, has a history of back issues and has not appeared in more than 40 games since the 2022-23 season.
- Adem Bona, Embiid's projected backup, is also dealing with a foot injury and has yet to participate in team workouts this preseason.
- Philadelphia opens its regular season against the Knicks on October 14, with the team facing scrutiny at the center position.
- James' decision to wear No. 9 during practice has turned heads, as it is the only known instance of him wearing a number other than his traditional No. 6.
- James, a 22-time All-Star and four-time NBA MVP, is already one of the greatest players in basketball history.
- The Sixers' injury history is among the most dubious in the NBA, with the team facing challenges as they aim to win a championship with James, Jaylen Brown, and their star-studded roster.
What's still developing
- LeBron James’ body is signaling the end is near.
- James has been remarkably durable throughout his career, but nagging injuries started to pop up during the end of his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers.
- No player in NBA history has ever played 24 seasons before.
- The superstar also dealt with sciatica in his lower back that caused him to miss a month last season, which is another area that continues to get treatment in Philly.
- The Sixers might have the most dubious recent injury history in the NBA, though there are a few teams (the Pelicans, the Grizzlies) who would challenge that claim.
- The non-contact injury occurred with 7:06 remaining in the first quarter when Hukporti fell to the floor while on defense.
- After spending the past eight seasons with the Lakers, James signed with the Sixers during the offseason in an effort to chase a fifth career championship.