Joel Embiid said on Monday he did not call LeBron James during the off-season in an attempt to convince him to join the Philadelphia 76ers. Speaking at pre-season media day, the 76ers centre addressed persistent speculation linking James to Philadelphia and moved to shut it down.
The clarification came as the NBA prepared for the new season, with James's future dominating headlines following his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers. Luka Doncic has been installed as the Lakers' new leader and declared "I am ready" in his own press appearance.
Elsewhere around the league, Jalen Brunson, fresh off an NBA championship with the New York Knicks in 2026, set out his side's ambitions. "Our objective is to be at least as strong as last season, if not better," the guard said. Stephen Curry, meanwhile, discussed his contract extension, calling it something that had been "in all my thoughts".
