LeBron James responded to a report about his new Philadelphia 76ers teammate Joel Embiid.
ended speculation that he clashed with the star center during a recent training session.
The rumor surfaced during Monday’s preseason game between the 76ers and New York Knicks. According to Bleacher Report’s Zach Bachar, Knicks broadcaster Mike Breen said he was told Embiid was a few minutes late to practice and James “made him heard.”
The report quickly gained traction as James and Embiid enter their first seasons in Philadelphia.
However, James has now strongly refuted this claim.
James posted the story on Instagram, posting a hat emoji and writing: “He’s not late so stop lying.”
Although Breen did not reveal the identity of the person who allegedly provided him with the information, the response seemed to dismiss the entire premise of the report. There is currently no further evidence to support this claim.
This story also comes amid rising expectations for the 76ers. Philadelphia added James and Jaylen Brown in the offseason, creating a star-studded core along with Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
James has also made responsibility a theme since joining Philadelphia. Speaking on his Mind the Game podcast, he said: “The only thing that matters is what we preach every day and how we hold each other accountable.”
The 76ers have seen some encouraging signs in the preseason, beating the defending champion Knicks 120-97 without James, Embiid and Maxey, 22 points behind Brown.
However, Philadelphia also suffered a major setback when backup center Ariel Hookerbotey tore his right Achilles tendon in the opener and was lost for the season.
Hooker Potee underwent surgery on Tuesday, leaving the Sixers with serious depth concerns behind Embiid.