Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is reportedly exploring every possible avenue to address his ongoing knee issues, and one option on the table is the same treatment that the late Kobe Bryant famously underwent in Germany. As Embiid’s injury concerns intensify, the former MVP is considering traveling overseas for the innovative procedure known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
The news was revealed by Chandler Parsons during an episode of “Run It Back” on FanDuel TV. Parsons shared that he had spoken with Embiid about his next steps, and the Sixers’ big man mentioned the possibility of undergoing the PRP treatment in Germany, often referred to as the “Kobe shots”.
“I’ve talked to Joel [Embiid] about this. He’s thought about going to Germany and doing the Kobe [Bryant] shots.”
Chandler Parsons on the Sixers’ big man’s options to reduce the pain on his knee 🗣️
(via @RunItBackFDTV)pic.twitter.com/bJtjn8FNwc
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 3, 2025
Bryant, who dealt with knee problems throughout his illustrious career, visited Germany multiple times for the PRP treatment called Orthokine. This non-surgical procedure involves extracting the patient’s blood, processing it to isolate platelets and growth factors, and then reinjecting it into the knee to promote healing and reduce inflammation. The treatment has been credited with extending Bryant’s playing days and improving his ability to play through injuries.
Embiid’s knee issues have been a persistent problem, and traditional pain management methods have not yielded the desired results. After playing just 19 games this season, Embiid has been declared “medically unable to play” for the remainder of the season. The 76ers are now exploring various treatment options to help their star player return to full health.
The decision to consider the PRP treatment in Germany underscores the severity of Embiid’s condition and the lengths to which he and the 76ers are willing to go to find a solution. As Embiid gathers opinions from medical experts, the hope is that this innovative treatment could provide the relief he needs to get back on the court.