# LeBron Denies Embiid Tardiness Story

> Mike Breen apologizes after LeBron James refutes viral claim he called out Joel Embiid for being late at practice.
- Title: LeBron Denies Embiid Tardiness Story · CBS Sports | Shortify
- Summary: Mike Breen apologizes after LeBron James refutes viral claim he called out Joel Embiid for being late at practice. LeBron James denied on Instagram that he…
- Keywords: lebron james, joel embiid, mike breen, philadelphia 76ers, new york knicks, nba, preseason game, sports, LeBron, Denies, Embiid, Tardiness
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nba/news/mike-breen-apologizes-lebron-james-joel-embiid-76ers-knicks
- Published: 2026-10-07T22:30:13+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lebron james, joel embiid, mike breen, philadelphia 76ers, new york knicks, nba, preseason game, sports
## 76ers sign LeBron James
The Philadelphia 76ers made two massive roster moves this summer by trading for Jaylen Brown and signing LeBron James to create a star-studded starting lineup.
## Breen shares anecdote
Mike Breen, New York's longtime play-by-play announcer, offered what he thought was a harmless anecdote about James' leadership during the MSG broadcast of Monday night's preseason opener between the Knicks and Sixers.
## Breen's anecdote
Breen said on air: '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.'

> Somebody told me before the game that they were out ready to practice, and Joel Embiid walked out on the card a couple of minutes late, and LeBron let him hear it.
## James denies story
LeBron James took to Instagram to deny the story, insisting Embiid 'ain't been late so stop the lies.'

> LeBron James took to Instagram to deny the story, insisting Embiid 'ain't been late so stop the lies.'
## Breen apologizes
Breen spoke with ESPN to apologize for starting an entire news cycle with his comments, noting he believes LeBron and feels bad about not recognizing Embiid's role in the story.
## Story consequences
The viral story highlights how even one preseason game can amplify team dynamics, with the Sixers expecting more controversies as the season approaches.
## Key takeaway

LeBron James denied on Instagram that he called out Joel Embiid for tardiness at practice, prompting Mike Breen to apologize for spreading the story.