With lofty expectations set on them this season, the Philadelphia 76ers are definitely under an enormous microscope now. Fortunately, LeBron James just shut down a rumor that could have paved the way for some bigger narratives about the way he is asserting himself on the team, refuting a recent report from commentator Mike Breen that he called Joel Embiid out for being late to practice.
During the 76ers' first preseason game against the Knicks, Breen reported that LeBron let Embiid "hear it" after the latter apparently ended up being late to a recent team practice. The longtime commentator most likely had no ill intent in dishing out that tidbit, but it definitely would have opened the floodgates to some ugly storylines that could have an adverse effect on the team off the court. After all, public response is now unusually quick with these things surrounding them.
LeBron James averts 76ers rumor that could have bad implications
Keeping each other accountable is one thing the 76ers need from their stars this season. After all, with the team set on winning the championship, there is no room for ego to burgeon. Be that as it may, the reactionary part of the basketball community –– which consists of a huge chunk thereof –– is more than visceral enough to take that as some sort of toxic behavior.
Even if that report were to be true, it should not even be taken in a bad light. James has more than enough gravitas to demand perfection from his teammates, but to err on the side of caution, he probably deemed it best to categorically deny such a firm non-fact.
James is not the easiest star to assimilate. After all, he has a big personality which, by his own admission, can come off harshly on others. However, he is not a rigid leader by any means. People are drawn to him for a good reason.
But again, given the extraordinary amount of attention on the 76ers and the natural predilection of many to hate on the megastar, this rumor would have likely sowed the seeds for some baseless and negative implications about the team's dynamic, especially off the court, as well as Joel Embiid's work ethic.
Thankfully, James took it upon himself to help the team get spared from the arbitrary opinions of the uninformed and unwitting public. The 76ers will probably get some more rounds similar to these, so they have to brace for them and know how not to let the external noise distract them from their ultimate goal.
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