‘ESPN Puppets Trying To Start Drama’ — NBA World Reacts As LeBron James Shuts Down Report He Called Out Joel Embiid for Being Late to 76ers’ Practice

A report surfaced that Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James allegedly called out teammate Joel Embiid for being late to practice. The 41-year-old star swiftly responded in an Instagram story, denying the claim.

Upon seeing James’ vehement reaction, the NBA world was quick to rally to his side and push back against the disputed report.

After a fruitful offseason for the 76ers’ front office, it’s time for its new star-studded roster to get to work. Like the 29 other teams, Philadelphia’s squad is ramping up its 2026-27 regular-season preparations with practice sessions.

It was during one of these practices that James reportedly called out Embiid for arriving late. The report was shared by commentator Mike Breen during the 76ers’ preseason opener against the New York Knicks on Monday. According to Breen, the story was shared with him before the game.

Breen’s story went viral on social media, eventually reaching James, who took to Instagram to shut it down.

“🧢! He ain’t been late so stop the lies,” the four-time MVP said.

After James denied the report, several people took to their socials to denounce the media’s account of the alleged practice interaction.

“What I say bro, ESPN puppets trynna start drama,” one X user said.

From the source “LeBron James isn’t here for that kind of talk. He denied the report about him checking Joel Embiid for being late #Sixers,” 76ers editor Ky Carlin chimed in.

“I KNEW IT WAS FAKE, I’m glad he cleared it up, stop listening to Mike Breen on Bron,” one comment read.

“Why do so many people wanna see this Sixers team fail? 🤷🏽‍♂️,” basketball personality Cuffs The Legend posted.

“The media will dead just wake up one day and decide to LIE unprovoked,” another weighed in.

“They really just be on the net lying 😂😂😂😂,” one fan asserted.

“I would add to this that beyond all of us being able to see the shape Joel is in, everything I have heard from people around the Sixers about him has been universally positive throughout camp and offseason — in early, extra workouts, participant in everything, etc.,” 76ers reporter Kyle Neubeck shared.

James and Embiid were among several 76ers players who were inactive against the Knicks. Per reports, the decision to sit them out isn’t health-related. It is likely just a decision by the coaching staff to manage their minutes ahead of the actual regular-season grind beginning on Oct. 20.

Despite their absence, their team managed to pull off a dominant 120-97 win behind Jaylen Brown’s game-high 22-point outing.

MORE:‘He Looked Like He Was Hurt’ — 3-Time NBA All-Star Sounds Alarm on Joel Embiid’s Fitness Despite Impressive 76ers Scrimmage

Growing pains and early chemistry issues are to be expected after Philadelphia’s offseason. After all, the franchise didn’t just add James; it also added plenty of rotational pieces as well as a bona fide All-Star in Brown.

Both their coaching staff and on-court leaders are expected to step up to help them overcome these early struggles. If they can, they’ll be a much deadlier threat once the playoffs come around.

James, with his championship pedigree and all the experience he’s logged over the years, is central to keeping this team focused. Not only will his on-court performance be a determining factor, but his leadership will also play a huge role in keeping his squad in tip-top shape.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.