LeBron James refutes report on Joel Embiid, prompting Mike Breen apology

ESPN commentator Mike Breen has issued an apology after reporting an inaccurate anecdote regarding LeBron James and Joel Embiid. During a preseason game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks, Breen claimed that James had confronted Embiid for arriving late to practice.

LeBron James refuted the claim on social media, stating, “ain’t been late so stop the lies.” Following the denial, Breen apologized on ESPN, noting that he had received the information from a trusted source. “I don’t know why the person who told me the story would make it up,” Breen said, adding, “But if LeBron says it never happened, then I believe him and apologize for putting it out there.”

Breen explained that he intended to use the story to highlight James’s leadership role within the team, but admitted he should have realized the implications of involving Embiid in such a report. Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse expressed surprise at the report, noting that he was focused on season preparations and stating that Embiid has been working hard and participating in training.