PHILADELPHIA — LeBron James denied a report that Joel Embiid arrived late to Sixers practice and was subsequently called out by James, forcing the NBA media ecosystem into the rarely used procedure known as checking what happened.
Mike Breen relayed the anecdote during Philadelphia’s preseason game against New York. James responded that Embiid had not been late and called the story false. Breen later apologized, saying his intention had been to highlight James’ leadership rather than create a controversy around Embiid. Nick Nurse also pushed back on the report.
The matter has now been referred to the Replay Center, where officials are examining several camera angles of practice arrival, parking-lot footage and one blurry image of somebody carrying coffee.
Early review has been inconclusive.
Sources familiar with the situation say Embiid was either on time, several minutes late, technically early depending on the clock being used, or never part of the story in the first place.
Philadelphia players were reportedly relieved to learn the season had reached its first completely avoidable controversy before opening night.
LeBron has asked everyone to stop spreading inaccurate information. NBA insiders immediately began asking three people close to the situation whether he seemed angry when he said it.
A final ruling is expected once every podcast has discussed the incident.
