LeBron James wants the Joel Embiid practice story put to rest. After a broadcast account suggested he confronted his Philadelphia 76ers teammate over arriving late, James disputed the claim himself.
“🧢! He ain't been late so stop the lies,” James wrote Tuesday on Instagram.
His response addressed comments from NBA broadcaster Mike Breen during Monday’s preseason matchup between Philadelphia and the New York Knicks, per BleacherReport. Breen attributed the account to an unnamed person who spoke with him ahead of tipoff.
“They were out ready to practice, Joel Embiid walked out on the court a couple of minutes late and LeBron let him hear it,” Breen said.
James’ denial directly challenges that version of events. The distinction matters, especially with Philadelphia preparing for its first season featuring James alongside Embiid.
LeBron James shuts down the fake story about checking Joel Embiid for being late to practice pic.twitter.com/C6NZQzPvDJ
— RB (@RBPhillyTake) October 6, 2026
LeBron James stresses accountability in Philadelphia
The report also touched on a subject that previously followed Embiid. In November 2024, Tyrese Maxey reportedly confronted the center about punctuality, describing him as late “for everything” and urging him to arrive on time.
That earlier report concerns a separate incident. James rejected the current claim about his new teammate.
Article Continues BelowMeanwhile, VJ Edgecombe offered a glimpse of James’ own preparation. Recalling his initial encounter with James inside the locker room ahead of practice, Edgecombe told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, “He was in there before everybody. As usual.”
James also discussed shared responsibility on his Mind the Game podcast on September 25.
“The only thing that matters is what we preach every day and how we're gonna hold each other accountable,” he said.
Philadelphia added Jaylen Brown and James this offseason alongside Embiid, Maxey, and Edgecombe. Three preseason contests remain before the Sixers face the Knicks in their October 20 opener.