Broadcaster Mike Breen apologized Wednesday for the reaction to a story he shared about LeBron James calling out Joel Embiid for showing up late, a story James has since disputed.
During the fourth quarter of the Sixers' preseason opener against the Knicks, Breen detailed what he had heard about James reacting to Embiid not making it onto the practice court on time. Breen told ESPN the story was told to him by "someone I trust" and he wanted to share it to show positive team dynamics.
James on his Instagram account pushed back on the story, writing, "He ain't been late so stop the lies." Breen accepted James' view, adding: "I don't know why the person who told me the story would make it up, but if LeBron says it never happened then I believe him and apologize for putting it out there."
Sixers coach Nick Nurse said he was surprised by the story, noting that Embiid has "been excellent" and on the practice floor. Neither James, Embiid nor Tyrese Maxey played in the Knicks game.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing