The public retraction regarding the LeBron-Embiid anecdote highlights the intense media scrutiny surrounding the 76ers this season. Protecting team internal harmony is clearly a top priority as they integrate high-profile talent.
PERFORMANCENBA
Mike Breen apologizes after LeBron James refutes story alleging he called out Joel Embiid at practice
Breen apologized for causing a stir with an anecdote he shared while calling a preseason Knicks-Sixers game The Philadelphia 76ers are going to be under a microscope all season after making two massive roster moves this summer by trading for Jaylen Brown and signing LeBron James to create a star-studded starting lineup. There is no shortage of intrigue about how this group will pan out and how all the various egos and personalities will mesh on and off the court. Everyone wants a peek behind the curtain at how this new experiment is going, and during the MSG broadcast of Monday night's preseason opener between the Knicks and Sixers, Mike Breen, New York's longtime play-by-play announcer, offered what he thought was a harmless anecdote about James' leadership already being on display. "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 said on the air. What Breen failed to consider in the moment is that Embiid, who has a history of reported tardiness, being the other player in the story made the story go viral and eventually James took to Instagram to deny it happened, insisting Embiid "ain't been late so stop the lies." Eight pressing NBA questions for 2026-27 season: Will Knicks repeat? Can 76ers finally break through? John Gonzalez
By Robby KallandOctober 7, 2026CBS Sports
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