It is usually the sports media criticizing the athlete but on this occasion, one NBA player has turned the tables.
Four-time MVP Lebron James came out in defense of Joel Embiid after several analysts and TV personalities criticized the Philadelphia 76ers center. Embiid has been struggling with a knee injury and sat out games against the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers last week.
Many believe that after pressure from fans and the media, Embiid returned to the court only to suffer an injury to his left knee on Tuesday night.
Now he’s out with an injury because of it. Not 1 person has went back on tv or their dumbass podcast and apologized to that MAN!! No accountability 🗑️🗑️🗑️
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 2, 2024
On Friday, 20-time All-Star Lebron James posted a couple of messages on his X account and called out the media for their silence on the matter:
“Not 1 person has went back on tv or their dumba** podcast and apologized to that MAN!!”
Embiid was a late scratch from the lineup set to face the Denver Nuggets. It came as a shock to NBA fans around the globe. The game was promoted as a matchup between Nikola Jokic and Embiid, two former MVPs. Fans were furious with many in the Ball Arena chanting “Where”s Embiid at?” during the game.
Another factor that may have been key here was a new rule by the NBA stating that a player can only be considered for an MVP title or be selected to the All-NBA team if they are active in 65 games or more. Embiid is the reigning NBA MVP and has played in 34 of the 76er’s 48 games this season.
Joel Embiid is averaging 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game.
