NBA Rumors: Joel Embiid Wanted To Play Alongside Kobe Bryant In 2014

Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers would have been a welcome asset for the Los Angeles Lakers if the purple and gold had the chance to pick him during the 2014 NBA Draft. But as most know, the Cameroonian was selected third in that draft class and went to the Philadelphia 76ers. But Embiid admitted that he would have loved to join the Lakers if the circumstances permitted it.

For those who do not know, the Lakers picked Julius Randle at the time with the 7th overall pick The fact that Los Angeles was not among the first teams to pick made it impossible for them to land the 26-year-old center at the time. But there was a chance if only the teams ahead of the Lakers were apprehensive with the 7-footer cager's durability. The Sixers took the risk and are now seeing the benefits of that investment.

According to the Bleacher Report, Embiid wanted to fall to the 7th spot so the Lakers could draft him. That means that being among the top guys in the class was not that important for him, probably aware that he could make up for it by doing well with the Lakers. Also, it would have given him the chance to fulfill another dream - to play alongside Kobe Bryant.

That would have been something although most know that Embiid needed two seasons before he could play his first NBA game. Injuries got in the way and by the time he got to play, Bryant was already retiring. But then again, anything could have happened. His injuries may have not happened or healed up fast, the same case with the five-time NBA champion.

With all that moot and academic, all Embiid can do for now is showcase his wares for the Philadelphia 76ers. Ironically, Embiid continues to deal with injuries, a reason why he has not seen action as of late. In a previous post, it was mentioned how the Cameroonian did not suit up against the Detroit Pistons so that he can get more rest and heal up properly. Before the NBA suspension came, Philly was believed to be preserving him for the bigger games and the playoffs ahead.

Now, Embiid can get more rest with the NBA in a lull. There is no telling when the games will resume and it would be best for the All-Star center to use this time to fully recover from his shoulder injury.