76ers' Joel Embiid also denies tardiness report, questions why it happened: 'It feels like I'm an easy target'
ESPN announcer Mike Breen previously apologized for recounting a since-refuted story, in which LeBron James was depicted reprimanding Embiid for being late to practice.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has denied a report that LeBron James criticized him for being late to a team practice. Embiid questioned why such a story would emerge, saying, "It feels like I'm an easy target." The report was recounted on Monday's preseason game between the New York Knicks and Sixers, where longtime ESPN play-by-play announcer Mike Breen claimed James "let Embiid hear it" when he arrived a few minutes late.
However, James refuted the claim, stating in an Instagram story, "Joel ain't been late so stop the lies." Breen later apologized, explaining that the anecdote was provided by a trusted source, but he believed LeBron James when he said it never happened. Embiid, known for his punctuality, acknowledged that such rumors are common and can be distracting.
He emphasized the importance of staying focused on the team's goals and supporting each other through the challenges.
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