Sources close to LeBron James tell Ramona Shelburne of ESPN that he has long recognized Joel Embiid‘s obvious talent and basketball IQ but has been wary of the Sixers center’s lingering health issues. James’ relationship with Embiid was one of several factors that played into the decision he announced last Friday, according to Shelburne. “If it’s Tyrese (Maxey), VJ (Edgecombe), Jaylen Brown, LeBron and Adem Bona, that’s not a championship team. But if it’s those four guys and Joel, that’s a championship team. But more that he can be the reason they win — and LeBron can really help him.”