Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse pushed again on a report that LeBron James confronted Joel Embiid after the middle arrived late to a current crew observe.
The report surfaced throughout Philadelphia’s preseason recreation towards the New York Knicks, when MSG Community broadcaster Mike Breen mentioned he had been instructed that Embiid walked onto the courtroom a number of minutes after the crew was able to observe and that James “let him hear it.”
James subsequently denied the story on Instagram, writing, “He ain’t been late so cease the lies,” alongside a cap emoji.
Nurse was requested concerning the report and expressed shock that the story had emerged, significantly given Embiid’s current work with the crew.
“I’m simply shocked by what I used to be instructed earlier than, and what you guys are asking me about, as a result of he’s been glorious,” Nurse mentioned. “He’s in nice form. He’s been on the observe ground. He’s labored very onerous, and he appears actually nice. So it simply surprises me that one thing like that got here out proper now.”
The scenario comes as Philadelphia enters the 2026-27 marketing campaign with a considerably reshaped roster and championship expectations. The Sixers acquired Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics for Paul George and draft compensation earlier than signing James to a two-year, $8 million contract with a participant possibility for the second season.
The projected beginning lineup options Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, Brown, James and Embiid, giving Philadelphia 5 gamers able to carrying vital offensive accountability.
Philadelphia is coming off a 2025-26 season by which it was eradicated by the New York Knicks within the playoffs. The entrance workplace responded with one of many league’s most aggressive offseasons, changing George with Brown and including James whereas additionally bringing in gamers reminiscent of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Dean Wade and Anfernee Simons.
James and Embiid aren’t strangers to taking part in collectively. The 2 stars have been teammates with Workforce USA on the 2024 Paris Olympics, however this season marks their first alternative to play alongside one another within the NBA.
