LeBron's Fury: James Shuts Down Embiid Story, Forces Breen's Public Apology

Longtime play-by-play announcer Mike Breen has issued an apology following a stir caused by a story he shared during a preseason opener, which involved a training camp interaction between new Philadelphia 76ers teammate LeBron James and Joel Embiid. James had publicly refuted the story, leading to Breen's Wednesday apology where he expressed disappointment over how the anecdote was interpreted.

During the fourth quarter of the Sixers' 120-97 victory over the New York Knicks, Breen recounted a detail he had heard: “Somebody told me before the game that they were out ready to practice, and Joel Embiid walked out on the court a couple of minutes late, and LeBron let him hear it.” Breen, who broadcasts for MSG Networks, ESPN, and ABC, later told ESPN that his intention was to praise LeBron for already demonstrating an impact on the team's professionalism and accountability, even concerning minor lateness. He stated the story came from a “someone I trust” and was meant to highlight James's leadership in Philly. Breen admitted that in hindsight, he should have realized that Embiid's involvement would make it a bigger story, adding that he felt awful for the focus it placed on Embiid.

LeBron James directly challenged the narrative on his Instagram account, writing, “He ain't been late so stop the lies.” Breen accepted James's denial, telling ESPN, “I don't know why the person who told me the story would make it up, but if LeBron says it never happened then I believe him and apologize for putting it out there.” This incident brought to light past reports from two seasons ago, when sources indicated Embiid was called out by teammates for being late “for everything” amid a disappointing 2-11 start for Philadelphia.

Sixers coach Nick Nurse, who became aware of the situation only after Wednesday's practice, emphasized his focus on getting players to the practice and game floors. When asked if the story was “unfair” to Embiid, Nurse expressed surprise, stating, “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. So, it just surprises me that something like that came out right now.”

Neither James, Embiid, nor Tyrese Maxey participated in the Knicks game. Looking ahead, Nurse confirmed plans to play his intended regular-season rotation in two of Philadelphia's remaining three preseason games, beginning Thursday against the Brooklyn Nets. The team is also addressing a critical roster adjustment after 7-foot big man Ariel Hukporti underwent season-ending right Achilles surgery. Nurse identified 6-foot-9 James and Dean Wade as “candidates” for minutes at small-ball 5, alongside 6-foot-7 Jabari Walker and 6-foot-9 Dominick Barlow. Second-year traditional center Adem Bona has also progressed to on-court workouts after a sprained left foot sidelined him. Nurse confirmed the Sixers have no immediate plans to add another center to the roster, intending to proceed with the current group.