(Trade) talk of the weekend

If Daryl Morey really deems it wiser to keep Ben Simmons beyond the trade deadline and hold out hope for a James Harden pursuit, he appears to have the backing of Joel Embiid.

Joel Embiid hasn't tweeted about basketball since October.

FIFA video game matters, Formula 1 racing and the NFL playoffs — those are the topics that have inspired Embiid's most recent Twitter proclamations.

And let's face it: Even the loquacious Embiid, had he decided to tweet anew on Saturday or Sunday, likely would have struggled to snag much of the trending spotlight away from the Los Angeles Lakers. In their latest burst of Hollywood drama, LeBron James was actually moved to issue a public apology in response to Magic Johnson's pointed critique of the Lakers' effort Saturday night in Denver as they absorbed a 37-point shellacking.

Earvin Magic Johnson @MagicJohnson

After being blown out by the Nuggets 133-96, we as @Lakers fans can accept being outplayed but we deserve more than a lack of effort and no sense of urgency. Owner @JeanieBuss, you deserve better.

LeBron James @KingJames

#LakerNation I apologize and I promise we’ll be better! 👑💜💛

Yet it really was Embiid, upon closer inspection, whose weekend words carried the most heft. After the Sixers zoomed to their ninth win in 11 games on Friday night by beating the Boston Celtics, among a variety of comments to express how pleased he is with how the team is progressing, Embiid announced that he sees "really no urgency to change anything."

"I think we got everything we need," Embiid said, noting that Philadelphia has been a 22-9 force this season when it has its All-Star center in uniform. "We're gonna keep on going and I'm happy."

StatMuse @statmuse

Joel Embiid, last 30 days: 31.8 PPG 10.1 RPG 53.7 FG% 11.6 FTA Most unstoppable player in basketball right now.

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