Mike Breen Apologizes After LeBron James Denies Joel Embiid Practice Story

Posted : 08 October 2026

Mike Breen apologized after LeBron James rejected his account of an alleged training-camp incident involving new Philadelphia 76ers teammate Joel Embiid.

Longtime broadcaster Mike Breen has apologized for the attention caused by a story he shared during Monday’s preseason meeting between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks.

During the broadcast, Breen said he had been told that Embiid arrived a few minutes late for practice and that James confronted him over the delay. Breen said the anecdote was intended to highlight the influence and leadership James was already having on his new team.

James disputed the account on social media Tuesday, saying Embiid had not been late and urging people to stop spreading what he described as false information. Breen subsequently accepted James’ version and apologized for repeating the story.

Breen explained that the information had come from someone he trusted and that he had no intention of portraying Embiid negatively. He acknowledged that he should have realized mentioning Embiid would make the story more significant because of the attention surrounding the star center.

“I’m so disappointed how the story was interpreted,” Breen said, explaining that his main aim was to praise James for helping establish greater professionalism and accountability within the Sixers.

Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse also addressed the controversy after Wednesday’s practice. He said he was surprised the report had emerged because Embiid had been performing well in training camp, working hard and consistently participating in practices.

Nurse emphasized that the team is aware of the increased outside attention surrounding its revamped roster and must focus on managing that noise. James and Embiid both sat out Philadelphia’s 120-97 preseason victory over New York.

The Sixers are also dealing with an injury to backup center Ariel Hukporti, who underwent season-ending surgery after tearing his Achilles in the preseason opener. Nurse said James, Dean Wade, Jabari Walker and Dominick Barlow could all see time at center, while second-year big man Adem Bona is also working his way back from a foot injury.

Philadelphia does not currently intend to sign another traditional center, with Nurse indicating that the team plans to work with its existing options unless circumstances change.

Mike Breen Apologizes After LeBron James Denies Joel Embiid Practice Story

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