Ex-Mavericks forward says Joel Embiid could follow Kobe Bryant's blueprint to bounce back from nagging knee injury

Last week, it was announced that Joel Embiid would be shut down for the remainder of the season as he continues to deal with the effects of the knee injury he suffered in 2024.

Before getting injured last season, Embiid looked well on his way to winning a second MVP. Since having surgery and returning to play, he has looked far from the player we've grown accustomed to seeing. Lingering issues from this knee injury carried into this season, resulting in him appearing in just 19 games before being shut down.

On "Run It Back" on Monday, former Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons gave his thoughts on Joel Embiid missing the rest of this season. Parsons said Embiid could undergo a similar procedure as Kobe Bryant.

"I've talked to Joel about this," Parsons said. "He's thought about going to Germany and doing the Kobe shots. There are different ways and methods to manage your pain."

Towards the tail end of his Hall of Fame career, Bryant went to Germany for platelet-rich plasma therapy to help take care of his body. He began the treatment in 2013 after he suffered an achilles injury.

The Philadelphia 76ers are heavily invested in Joel Embiid. During the offseason, they signed the former MVP to a three-year extension worth $192.9 million. After signing Paul George in free agency, the Sixers are a franchise with clear title aspirations.

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Chandler Parsons speculates on Joel Embiid reaching out to LeBron James for physical help

While there is some luck that goes into it, there are countless NBA players who invest heavily into their body in hopes of avoiding injury. A prime example of this is LeBron James, who's a nightly fixture for the LA Lakers at the age of 40.

Joel Embiid has regularly had to deal with injuries since the start of his career, and Chandler Parsons speculated about the idea of him seeking advice from James.

"A lot of it is just fortunate just not being hurt," Parsons said. "Do you think a Zion or Joel is calling LeBron? Do you think someone that's been doomed with the injury bug is like reaching out?"

Just a few years removed from being named league MVP, Embiid now begins a road to recovery to try and get back to the player he was for the Sixers.