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76ers' Joel Embiid also denies tardiness report, questions why it happened: 'It feels like I'm an easy target'

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid addressed a viral report claiming LeBron James had reprimanded him for tardiness during team practice, calling the accusation misleading and questioning why he became the focus. The controversy stemmed from an ESPN broadcast by Mike Breen, who referenced a since-debunked story about James scolding Embiid for being late.

James swiftly denied the account on Instagram, stating Embiid had never been late to practice since joining the team, and the 76ers opened their preseason with a 1-1 record after losing 114-108 to the Brooklyn Nets in their first game. Embiid’s frustration over the false narrative underscored broader tensions in the media’s portrayal of his professionalism, as he questioned why he was singled out as an ‘easy target.’

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