Joel Embiid has been one of the best players in the league this season. Now, with the addition of James Harden, the Philadelphia 76ers have a great chance of securing a title this season. However, while Embiid is receiving praise for leading his organization, LeBron James is falling off due to the Lakers’ struggles. But fans were left upset as Embiid came off a season-high free throw shooting night.
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The expectations were at an all-time high on the purple and gold as they added another All-Star into their roster. However, the move for Russell Westbrook hasn’t given them the dividends. On the plus side, LeBron James is enjoying a career year putting on a scoring display almost every night.
However, his averages could be more impressive only if referees gave him a little more support. Fans had their say over the matter.
LeBron James could take the lead in scoring?
Currently, the King is averaging 28.9 points, 8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists for the season. On the other hand, Embiid is leading the league with 29.8 points per game. But the main thing that separates them is the number of free throws they shoot per game. The Sixers’ recent game was proof as Embiid went to the line 27 times in his 37 point performance.
As for LeBron, he attempts almost 6 fewer free throws than Embiid this season despite having more shot attempts. Granted, not all shots can be counted, but there have been times where the Akron Hammer has lost out due to bad calls. Despite getting to the rim, LeBron has had bad luck with getting the right calls for fouls. But there is also a big reason Embiid gets more free throws.
Saw Embiid get 20+ free throws attempts, so can’t wait to see LeBron get 0 tonight
— Matthew Peralta (@_MatthewPeralta) February 28, 2022
lebron if he had half of embiid whistle pic.twitter.com/pn0TlhNjCK
— BLIK 🐍 (@BallKnow3r) February 28, 2022
Embiid has shot 14 free throws in the 1st half. Please can LeBron and Russ have 14 free throws combined for the whole damn game 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
— AllNBAPlayersRHuman (@Alwaysn4evaArt) February 27, 2022
.@NBA please do something about these refs not giving LeBron his clear as day calls but give Embiid 50 free throws a night
— ⁶𝘓𝘦𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴 🥷🏽 (@TurnUpBron) February 28, 2022
Embiid and Harden get 20 FTs before they show up to the game.
Meanwhile Lebron has opponents taking intentional fouls (and smirking about it) and he still can’t get a whistle.
When you treat Bron differently from the rest, the agenda becomes way too obvious.
— Letting Go (@ProvideContext) February 26, 2022
If Lebron got the same whistle as other stars like Jordan, Harden and Embiid then he'd have like 45,000 career points EASILY rn
— Cavanescense (@ZioncavsfanCLE) February 26, 2022
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lebron should take notes from embiid bc lebron just aint getting any calls smh
— trappin ant 📲 (@AntEdwardsSZN) February 28, 2022
LeBron has evolved his game to be more shooting-based rather than attacking the basket, like in the past years. He is averaging the most three attempts in his career this season at 7.9 per game. As for Embiid, the big man is known for his impressive post skills. He often racks up his points near the basket and gets fouled in the process.
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READ MORE: LeBron James Trashed “Selfish” Kobe Bryant During 2008 Olympics
While an argument can be made on both sides, nothing takes away from the fact both of them are having impressive seasons. If the Lakers somehow improve in the second half of the season, do you think LeBron James can win his 5th MVP? Let us know in the comments below.