NBA Trade Rumors: Joel Embiid Requested by Lakers After 76ers' Call on LeBron James

The Philadelphia 76ers reportedly explored the possibility of trading for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James at last week's deadline, but ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne explained that a monumental request by Los Angeles quickly ended Philadelphia's pursuit.

"After seeing James' cryptic social media post of an hourglass a week before the trade deadline, Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey called [Lakers general manager] Pelinka to probe on a James trade and was immediately told that James wasn't available," Wojnarowski and Shelburne reported. "In fact, Pelinka responded by asking Morey if Joel Embiid was available, sources said. And that ended that brief conversation."

While trading for James is an ambitious endeavor, Wojnarowski and Shelburne noted that it's a typical move for Morey, who also reportedly pursued other star players ahead of the trade deadline.

"These sorts of bold trade calls are historically a common practice for Morey, who also called the Phoenix Suns and asked about a trade for [Kevin] Durant prior to the deadline, sources said," Wojnarowski and Shelburne stated. "When told no, Morey then asked about the availability of Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, too. Unsurprisingly, those were no's as well, sources said."

The pursuit of a star player comes as little surprise, as the Sixers are still reeling from the loss of Embiid, who is expected to miss at least four weeks after undergoing knee surgery last week. In addition to his absence, Philadelphia is also dealing with injuries to key players like Tobias Harris (hip) and De'Anthony Melton (back).

The Sixers landed a trade for sharpshooter Buddy Hield from the Indiana Pacers at last week's deadline, and they also signed veteran point guard Kyle Lowry after he received a contract buyout from the Charlotte Hornets.

At 32-21, Philadelphia ranks fifth in the Eastern Conference. The team will be seeking a third straight win when it faces the Miami Heat (29-25) on Wednesday in Philadelphia's final game before the All-Star break.

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