LeBron James Fires Back at Wild Joel Embiid Report With 1 Blunt Message

NBA star LeBron James did not want the report about him calling out Joel Embiid to get bigger. According to an earlier report, the Philadelphia 76ers star called out Embiid for being late to practice. Longtime commentator for MSG Network, Mike Breen, told the report on Monday’s preseason game between the 76ers and the New York Knicks.

“They are, they’re raving about how he’s been so far. Obviously, it’s only a week of camp. But I had somebody tell me before the game that they were out ready to practice and Joel Embiid walked out on the court a couple minutes late. LeBron let him hear it,” Breen said.

“They are, they’re raving about how he’s been so far. Obviously, it’s only a week of camp. But I had somebody tell me before the game that they were out ready to practice and Joel Embiid walked out on the court a couple minutes late. LeBron let him hear it,” Breen said.

The story gained the attention of other media outlets and fans. However, LeBron James clarified the claims in his recent Instagram stories update.

”

<

! He ain’t been late so stop the lies,” James posted on Instagram.

<

! He ain’t been late so stop the lies,” James posted on Instagram.

<

Apr 9, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) walks off the court after the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Embiid is known for being late to practice. In 2024, a report from ESPN said that his co-star, Tyrese Maxey, called him out in a team meeting for being late “for everything.” His tardiness has affected the team’s locker room.

“Tyrese loves Big Fella, but this is the elephant in the room,” a person involved in the meeting told ESPN.

“Tyrese loves Big Fella, but this is the elephant in the room,” a person involved in the meeting told ESPN.

This will be the first season for James and Embiid as teammates. Over the summer, the four-time champion signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers. They are expected to make a major leap this season and are considered favorites to contend for the NBA championship. The two stars will play alongside Maxey and Jaylen Brown.

LeBron James did not suit up for Monday’s preseason game against the reigning NBA champions, the New York Knicks. According to reports, James is dealing with health issues, and the 76ers opted not to let him play the exhibition game.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported ahead of the contest about James’ status.

“James’ daily routine begins at the Sixers’ training complex around 7:45 a.m., when he is met by his longtime athletic trainer, Mike Mancias, to work on his body,” McMenamin reported.

“James’ daily routine begins at the Sixers’ training complex around 7:45 a.m., when he is met by his longtime athletic trainer, Mike Mancias, to work on his body,” McMenamin reported.

McMenamin added the 76ers star needs to check off stretching, activation, and modalities before he makes his debut. James is 41, and Philly wants to take a cautious approach in his 24th NBA season.

Last season, the four-time MVP dealt with sciatica, missing the first month of the regular season.