The Philadelphia 76ers haven’t even started their 2026-27 season, and yet, rumors about LeBron James and his new teammates are already swirling.
During this Monday’s preseason game against the New York Knicks, a rumor surfaced about James lecturing 76ers star Joel Embiid for showing up late to practice. Obviously that doesn’t sound good considering James and Embiid are supposed to lead Philadelphia this year.
“Somebody told me before the game that they were out ready to practice, and Joel Embiid walked out on the court a couple minutes late and LeBron let him hear it,” ESPN announcer Mike Breen said.
Well, it sounds like Breen may have received false information. On Tuesday night, James fired back at this rumor on his Instagram story.
“He ain’t been late so stop the lies,” James wrote.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images.
High expectations in Philly.
Now that James is surrounded by a supporting cast that includes Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, fans will be expecting him to make at least the Eastern Conference Finals this upcoming season. Even he’s expecting a deep run in the playoffs.
“I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round,” James told the media in Philadelphia.
If James manages to lead the 76ers to their first title since 1983, it would strengthen his argument as the greatest of all time.
