LeBron James Calling Out Joel Embiid Late-to-Practice Story Leads Mike Breen to Apologize

In the days leading up to the 2026-27 season, every fan and analyst is trying to figure out how LeBron James, Joel Embiid, and the rest of the Philadelphia 76ers are building chemistry.

For any team to succeed, it is imperative that every player on the court is on the same page. Of course, having one of the best minds on the team, who also happens to be the most experienced player ever, is a great thing.

But theory is one aspect, and practical execution is a different animal. For now, the excitement among fans is slowly growing as clips from the Sixers’ practices revealed that the starting five, at least, are slowly beginning to understand their tendencies.

James missed the first preseason game with chronic arthritis, but was active on social media to learn that he allegedly ‘scolded’ Joel Embiid for arriving a few minutes late to practice.

The four-time champion quickly called out the ‘lie,’ making it clear that the former league MVP center is as dedicated to getting on the same page as his Paris Olympics teammate as he has been with his body.

If LeBron says it never happened, then I believe him and apologize for putting it out there.

Dave McMenamin quoted Mike Breen

This was legendary announcer Mike Breen apologizing for inadvertently talking about the incident live on a national broadcast. He told his colleague that he did get the information from someone he trusts.

However, his intent was not to reveal what happened in that practice. Rather, he wanted to point out LeBron James’ leadership. But the internet happened to twist it in a manner that Breen did not anticipate.

76ers head coach nearly contradicts LeBron James’ stance

While this entire discourse threatened to cast a shadow on all the good work the retooled squad had put together this offseason, reporters wanted to know if there was any truth to what Mike Breen revealed.

I’m just surprised by what I was told before… He’s been excellent. He’s in great shape. He’s been on the practice floor. He’s worked very hard, and he looks really great. It just surprises me that something like that came out right now.

Nick Nurse said

This was Nick Nurse‘s reaction to reporters at the 76ers’ practice. By his response, it is clear that he did not know that something like this was brewing on the internet.

Nick Nurse responds to the report that LeBron James confronted Joel Embiid about being a few minutes late to a practice. "I’m just surprised by [the report]. He’s been excellent. He’s in great shape. He’s been on the practice floor. He’s worked very hard and he looks really great. It just surprises me that something like that came out." LeBron has refuted the report.

— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) October 7, 2026

At the same time, he did not refute the claim that Joel Embiid was late and that LeBron James did indeed give him an earful. Nurse simply reiterated how his center is committed to his craft, while explaining how he was caught off-guard by the news coming out.

Therefore, it could be that such an instance did happen. But the King, who knows all too well how the internet behaves, decided it was better to refute it rather than allow it to grow all sorts of narratives before even the season starts.

LeBron James expected to make his 76ers debut in preseason

Now that LeBron James has clarified the situation and Mike Breen has apologized, the focus shifts to the 76ers’ preseason games, where the team will work on their schemes to get on the same page.

After missing the first one with chronic arthritis, the four-time league MVP has not been mentioned in the team’s injury report. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the superstar makes his debut wearing the blue, white, and red against the Brooklyn Nets.

It may not be at home, but fans are expected to fill Barclays Center to watch the oldest player in the league make his debut for his fourth and final team.

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