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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 5: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to LeBron James #23 and Tyrese Maxey #0 during a timeout against the New York Knicks in the first quarter during the preseason game at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 5, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
LeBron James is pushing back on a report involving Philadelphia 76ers teammate Joel Embiid.
During the Sixers’ preseason opener against the New York Knicks, ESPN play-by-play announcer Mike Breen said he had been told that Embiid recently arrived a couple of minutes late to a Philadelphia practice — and that James called him out for it.
The account quickly made the rounds on social media, but James disputed it himself on October 6.
Sharing a Complex Sports post about the report to his Instagram Story, James wrote: “He ain’t been late so stop the lies.”
That creates a direct conflict between what Breen relayed during the broadcast and what James, who was actually present around the Sixers during training camp, is now saying publicly.
Breen had said during Philadelphia’s preseason game that he heard Sixers personnel were already impressed with James’ presence.
“They’re raving about how he’s been so far,” Breen said before recounting what he had been told about Embiid. Breen said Embiid walked onto the court “a couple of minutes late” and James subsequently “let him hear it.”
James’ response suggests at least part of that account was inaccurate.
HeavyLeBron James disputed a report that Philadelphia 76ers teammate Joel Embiid was late to practice, writing, “He ain’t been late so stop the lies,” on his Instagram Story.
Was Joel Embiid Late to Sixers Practice?
Based on James’ public response, he says no.
It is important to distinguish between the original report and what has actually been confirmed.
Breen did not say he personally witnessed Embiid arrive late. He explicitly characterized the information as something somebody told him before the game.
James has now gone on the record — albeit through an Instagram Story — saying Embiid “ain’t been late.”
Neither the Sixers nor Embiid had publicly clarified the situation as of October 6.
The story generated added attention because Embiid has faced questions about punctuality before.
ESPN reported in November 2024 that Tyrese Maxey challenged Embiid during a team meeting to be on time for team activities. Sources told ESPN that Maxey said Embiid had been late “for everything” and explained how it affected other players and coaches.
That history made Breen’s account particularly notable, but James’ emphatic denial complicates any suggestion that the same issue has resurfaced this season.
Erik C. Anderson is an award-winning sports journalist covering the NBA, NFL, MLB and trading card market for Heavy.com. His coverage focuses on breaking news, trade rumors, roster moves, player contracts and the stories driving national fan conversation. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Associated Press, USA Today and ESPN. More about Erik C. Anderson