LeBron James rages at 'lies' as 76ers star sets record straight on Joel Embiid

Jeremy Goldstein Wed, October 7, 2026 at 5:55 PM UTC

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LeBron James appeared in a scrimmage for the 76ers earlier this week -Credit:Getty Images

LeBron James sat out the Philadelphia 76ers' opening preseason game as he manages his chronic foot arthritis before his record-setting 24th NBA season.

On the broadcast of the 76ers-New York Knicks game, MSG play-by-play man Mike Breen relayed an anecdote he heard about James calling out incumbent Philadelphia star center Joel Embiid for showing up late to practice.

"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 shared on the broadcast. James responded to the internalized slight on his Instagram story, referencing a graphic posted by Complex about Breen's quote. It comes as James adopted a new Sixers role amid "chronic" injury issues.

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"He ain’t been late, stop the lies," the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer wrote over the graphic.

The Complex post read: "LeBron is holding Embiid accountable. Mike Breen says he was told Joel Embiid arrived a couple minutes late to Sixers practice, and LeBron 'let him hear it'[sic]."

Fans in the comments on Complex's Instagram post criticized the media outlet. "BRON SAID CAP, DELET IT OR ELSE," one wrote. "He just exposed y'all," another posted. "Well, Bron just exposed y'all on his story lmao, The King has spoken," a different fan commented.

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James's messaging likely comes as part of a push to keep the vibes high on his new team ahead of Philadelphia's highly anticipated season opener against the reigning NBA Champion New York Knicks.

For what it's worth, most members of the 76ers seem excited about James's presence on the team, despite the anticipated drop in touches for most.

LeBron James and Joel Embiid were teammates on the 2024 USA Olympic team

"Before 'Bron got [here], I was like, 'Yo, I'm making a group chat: Me, 'Rese, JB, Joel,'" second-year guard VJ Edgecombe shared at Philadelphia's media day.

"And then 'Bron came, and obviously I don't got LeBron James' number, so ... I told Tyrese to do it. I asked Tyrese if he could [add him]. ... But it was my idea. Anyone telling you it was their idea, they're lying."

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Maxey and Embiid are the two longest tenured 76ers. Maxey reportedly called out the team's center in a 2024 team meeting amid a 2-11 start for a host of perceived infractions, including lateness.

Philadelphia continues its 2026 preseason with a trip to Brooklyn for a Thursday evening contest against the Nets. It's unclear if James will play any contests before the team's regular season opener against the Knicks.

It comes after James immediately cranked up the pressure on the 76ers with a warning in an incredibly personal statement.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Sports”