Hallowed ground | Sports Daily Newsletter

LeBron James signing with the Sixers would be a move of biblical proportions, and, as Marcus Hayes points out, that’s not exactly new with this team. Moses Malone arrived and quickly led the team to glory in the ’80s.

It’d be a seismic move for everyone, but maybe nobody more than Joel Embiid. Through his brand of tough love, King James could even save Embiid’s career. Here’s how.

So could LeBron really be coming to Philly? Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment president Bob Myers made his pitch, and the 23-year NBA veteran reportedly is down to a final three teams. Unlike the other two reported contenders, he doesn’t have history with the Sixers. But they could offer a chance to chase a title and more.

— Maria McIlwain, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓Even if LeBron James signs elsewhere, do you think the Sixers have done enough to finally make it past the second round of the playoffs? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

You can’t go wrong with a hot dog and a beer, but the MLB’s All-Star festivities descending upon Philly also will bring some novel bites.

Whether it’s signature items from around the league, like at the All-Star Village, local chef collabs, or the return of an iconic sandwich, The Inquirer offers a sneak peek into all the options for the upcoming extravaganza.

And in case you missed it, the musical acts at the All-Star Game will have a decidedly Philly flair.

Next: The All-Star festivities begin Friday with the HBCU Swingman Classic at Citizens Bank Park (7 p.m., mlb.com).

Every time a Reds player hits a home run, fireworks are released from the smokestacks in the outfield at Great American Ball Park. It is fair to reason Cincinnati’s firework supply could be low after hitting four home runs in the fourth inning alone.

Wednesday’s 11-5 loss by the Phillies exposed two glaring weaknesses on their roster: a lack of depth in starting pitching and left-handed relief pitchers.

With Trea Turner out of the lineup on Wednesday, Bryce Harper volunteered to bat leadoff for the Phillies. And their bullpen received reinforcement when Brad Keller was activated from the injury list.

Next: Freshly minted All-Star Jesús Luzardo (7-4, 3.75 ERA) is set to take the mound against the Reds’ Brady Singer (3-8, 5.03) tonight (7:10 p.m., NBCSP).

Who doesn’t love an underdog story?

Johnny Mundt certainly fits the bill — he went from an undrafted free agent to a Super Bowl champion, and along the way, crossed paths with new Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.

A tight end known for his solid blocking abilities, he seems likely to make the roster, and Ryan Novozinsky has more about the 31-year-old journeyman.

The Birds will get some love from the basketball world, too, as some new Kobes will feature an Eagles colorway.

A.J. Brown isn’t an Eagle anymore, but his cousin just got traded to another Philly pro team.

Next: The countdown continues to training camp, which begins July 28.

The U.S. is out of the FIFA World Cup, but the action rolls on, starting today.

Each of the four quarterfinal matches are sure to be exciting, between the star power and storylines in each one.

From Haaland to Messi, Inquirer writer Jonathan Tannenwald offers an overview of each matchup and a peek at what’s ahead after the quarterfinals.

We asked: Which Phillies player are you looking forward to watching in the All-Star Game?

Schwarber for sure. MVP with a homer or two. — Tom G.

Clearly, I’m looking forward to Brandon Marsh. The nation has got to bevome acquainted with all that hair. — Amy S.

Can’t wait for the world to see the introduction of Spiderman. Lights going out. Spiders walking in the outfield. Duran running in from the pen with the bases loaded, ninth inning, two outs and the National League up by 1 run. STRIKE ONE! STRIKE TWO! STRIKE THREE! Game over. Every free agent in baseball wants to play in Philly. — Ronald R.

I’m looking forward to seeing Marsh as the Phillies first starting outfielder since 2009 when both Raul Ibanez and Shane Victorino represented the Phillies. Marsh, like a few of our guys has slacked off offensively since a while back when he lead the league. Right now he has the 7th highest average in the NL. Let’s hope he can make us proud there in front of the home crowd. Do you think we will ever see an AS outfield like 1966 when the NL had Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Roberto Clemente? — Everett S.

Very excited to see [Brandon] Marsh as a starter for the NL. He is quite the story, after playing with Mike Tout and Shohei Ohtani during his time with the Angels. Hope Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber have a couple of at bats in front of the home crowd. — Bob C.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Gabriela Carroll, Gina Mizell, Mike Klein, Lochlahn March, Conor Smith, Ryan Novozinsky, Devin Jackson, Mia Messina, Marcus Hayes, Jonathan Tannenwald, and Owen Hewitt.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thank you for reading along! I’ll be back in your inboxes tomorrow morning to close out the week. — Maria