Were Joel Embiid’s comments about LeBron James FAIR OR FOUL?! Stephen A. REACTS 🍿 | First Take

On First Take, Stephen A. Smith, Brian Windhorst and Harry Douglas talk through Joel Embiid’s comments about LeBron James saying “LeBron now is not the LeBron that was a couple of years ago.”
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[@Dengchiii]

Why is Embiid worried about LeBron's age in the first place? LeBron is more physically fit than Embiid. Embiid should worry about his conditioning rather than worrying LeBron's age as a concern for not getting the Gold.

[@cheap272]

Aint nobody tuning into the games to watch joel embiid😂

[@santzking]

U smart asf 💯

[@Alex007-]

@@cheap272 Facts!

[@richardmatthews2807]

That’s true I tuned in for Steph Antman and LBJ

[@ChristopherMurphy-to8ig]

Truth is the truth... Lebron saw players like curry and whi going out for the olympics to start a new era he had to get involved his ego wont allow new faces to be pumped.... Its getting old only people that dont see it is Lebron eaters... The system is still going to keep running through lebron when Kerr said lebron embiid and curry are the starters... Durant tatum and Edwards all averaged more than this man but because the bron eaters wont let the next wave have their time they all gotta remain in his shadow... Ant wasnt a starter.... How long we gunna shadow everybody in favor or lebron and his system of play... Let taytum ant embiid and Durant and curry start find out...

[@nydibs]

Im tuning in to watch Team USA, and Ant. I would watch regardless of who is on the roster bc I love basketball, and I love the USA

[@Warriors49ers]

Lebron is carrying Embiid right now so if I was Embiid, I wouldnt be saying this.

[@jeanmoleus3590]

Facts!

[@kululivestreaming369]

Embiid wishes he could strap on LeBron laces

[@JP-jd8wr]

Y'all are sensitive. He stated facts for anyone who watches real games. LeBron wasn't even mad so why are you clowns?

[@jr_Writer2]

He need to go play for france😂😂

[@shyheimsykes]

Facts tho

[@cloak1408]

I took it as him saying “Lebron isn’t the same player as he used to be…he shouldn’t be the one bailing us out in a 1 point win over South Sudan” smh I know this team doesn’t have KD but they still have enough fire power to win by more than 1 point. Lebron at 40 years old shouldn’t have to be the savior. He’s definitely the captain but the rest of them need to start pulling their weight

[@Alex007-]

@@cloak1408 What you said was solid!

[@jaycee3487]

Then that means embiid needs to play way better cause he's playing like trash rn

[@B-Will-]

LeBron don't play much defense He saves his ped energy for drives & layups. Salute Embid

[@ericreid8111]

That's exactly what is meant

[@Lach60]

@@B-Will-did you not watch last game ?

[@guitarriff123]

Joel had his feelings hurt because LeBron and Steph have been calling him out for lazy defense and a lack of focus in practice.

[@kimedison6677]

Had no idea. Interesting

[@TAURUS-tu1gk]

I'm sure it's just leadership and giving advice on the court. Some guys don't like constructive criticism. I can't imagine Bron or Steph being disrespectful or harsh with any teammates.🤔

[@guitarriff123]

​@@TAURUS-tu1gk There are a lot of talented players in the NBA that never win championships simply because they lack the right mindset. Listen to JR Smith talk about how he changed his thought process about playing the game, practicing, and preparing after teaming with Lebron. Joel might be one of these guys. Very talented, but just hasn't been in a culture with players who have that championship mindset and approach.

[@Truth.Alphaz]

@@guitarriff123he can’t be acting like a Shaq with no rings lol

[@alex4863]

Embiid needs to worry about staying healthy more than anything

[@slowodanx]

Because he is right? you retarded subhuman cultist really hate to face the truth huh? pathetic.

[@Slayer1106411]

Not the guy that didn't take a wide open shot at the end of a playoff game against the knicks talking. That's crazy.

[@JP-jd8wr]

Not they guy in KZbin comments who never even played D1 basketball talking. That's even more crazy

[@Slayer1106411]

@@JP-jd8wr You in the same boat. Stop it.

[@Encentivez]

When Embiid makes it out of the second round he can talk 😂 or better yet, when he stops getting carried by that “old man” he can speak

[@nicolo_7766]

Embiid has been the worst player on the team why is he chatting 😹

[@kululivestreaming369]

LeBron probably son him in practice or on the plane and he talking side ways

[@kvngpsos2471]

He’s been bad defensively but when they actually involve him in the offense he’s showing why he’s top 3 in MVP every season

[@WrongVsWright]

Just went 5/6 from the field with 14 pts and 7 boards. You just saying anything 😂

[@trevonhorn6226]

​@@WrongVsWrightno he's not the his only good game. Tf are you talking about

[@nicolo_7766]

@@WrongVsWright I’m saying though, talking like that he should’ve played for his HOME country n tried to beat team USA 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Yaaloz]

I will take old Lebron everytime everyday over young Embid

[@MichealJames-b7n]

lol said the man that can’t jump over a phone book

[@rick3y0]

😂😂😂😂

[@justussdad426]

Molly in the background like Rick Ross with the adlibs. She just has to be heard saying something

[@DaFactsNoNonsense1713]

so what's she there for, to not be heard?? You're saying you like guys more than you like women, without saying/realizing it

[@Alex007-]

@@DaFactsNoNonsense1713 Yes but like everyone else, she should wait her turn. 🤡

[@jdo12345mo]

@@DaFactsNoNonsense1713no simp she adds nothing and constantly interrupting everyone

[@DaFactsNoNonsense1713]

@@jdo12345mo so she bothers you for doing her job, or do you hate women so much, you didn’t bother to find out what her being the moderator of the show means in English?! You’re saying you’re a moron/Simple-Simon, without saying it

[@johnbutler7567]

​@DaFactsNoNonsense1713 that comment was zero facts and all the non sense 😂

[@ericg4626]

Joel how many ECFs have you been to?

[@tfoxg77n]

Embiid 30 and have mad injuries

[@phillyjackson45]

Stop drinking the haterade with 40+ comments bozo 😂

[@Alex007-]

Agreed! He's a 🤡

[@courtneysmith1558]

Joel Embiid is the last person to talk about anybody being old. His knees alone are 75 yrs old.

[@cfirst1020]

Embiid sucks man he’s getting exposed in international play because foul baiting ain’t a thing so he’s not going to shoot 20 free throws a game

[@jaycee3487]

Exactly that part flailing flop artist

[@B-Will-]

Embid actually plays D, LeBron doesn't play D & saves his ped energy trying to score.

[@JayBlazingProphecy]

I want to hear the actual question asked to Embiid.🤷🏾‍♂️

[@Lorfii]

😂 nahhh the context would probably ruin this for the media

[@JayBlazingProphecy]

@@Lorfii exactly!

[@_KITE]

SAS’s suit game is impeccable. He pulled this out of his wardrobe on a Monday, no less.

[@coachadepoju8513]

Give South Sudan credit man.

[@DaFactsNoNonsense1713]

that's why USA really lost, the score's false, since the refs saved them from embarrassment, while everyone was watching

[@mane360tv6]

❤

[@mac2510]

Foul

[@MathewDavis-c5q]

Where’s the lie? Anyone with a brain knows Lebalco is fading

[@DrewAnderson-ye9jn]

@@MathewDavis-c5qwhy say that about a teammate? Why downplay your teams chances of success when you clearly have the best roster? Just lame

[@talkenhead87]

Team Sudan was not made Sudanese players so that's really a moot point. They were lead by 4 NBA players. Let's stop this ridiculous narrative that these countries can be worth watching w/o NBA players on the roster.

[@fadethechannel]

Exactly. People talking like they were just some pickup-game participants off the street 😂

[@3ferns555]

NBA nobodies gave NBA super stars a challenge

[@JP-jd8wr]

​@@3ferns555just goes to show you that most of you fans don't understand how good pros actually are if this is surprising for you

[@rodrickbarner8818]

4 NBA players on a roster vs 12 on another. Stop it lol.

[@amritgillredhotflame]

@@rodrickbarner8818 All pros though

[@emoneyrsc21]

But the old guys is the reason why they winning on the world stage though. It’s a shame with all this young talent

[@andrewcowles8785]

Yall acting like he said lebron is trash 😂 words taken out of context is dangerous.

[@Dr._Wan___PharmD]

The US didn't take Sudan seriously and it was a good scare to hopefully not to happen in the Olympics.

[@OagileMosepele]

That's a speculation, LeBron was so serious about it.face the music USA survived thru the skin of its teeth..

[@dr.carlanthonyreid3018]

Embiid is a jealous loser who should stop talking until he can finally win a playoff series.

[@Alex007-]

🔥🔥

[@B-Will-]

Embid is the Only current player that is willing to be honest bout LeBron.

[@B-Will-]

Embid is the Only current player that is willing to be honest bout LeBron.

[@teenice1885]

Embiid is a media dream😂😂. Just give him the mic!!

[@LelifterLeo]

Bros talking like he hasn’t been one of the worst players on the team

[@caprisunpapiiiiiiiii8296]

Embiid slows down the entire offense …

[@rickyr.6030]

Anthony Edwards really thought he was the #1 option😂

[@user-qk4vl8lj4r]

Lebron at 40 is better than embiid in his prime

[@SportsSphere-uy7vj]

Team USA is built around Lebron. Lebron has not won a scoring or MVP in over 10 years. Embiid has done that.

[@cycleoflife565]

No he isn’t.

[@shawna7813]

Its obvious they're beefing behind the scenes on the team. Lebron is lobbying for AD to start because Embid has been terrible and he's taking it personal. Dude is not healthy, has no lift, no legs out there...

[@HOISeattleAbbayel]

😂 I believe in this bro. Embiid is a soft big for nothing player that gained weight over the years instead of gaining skill and muscle. He gained burger weight and French fries. How dare embiid fix his green card lips and speak on The King 👑 or any of the actually USA born players

[@Alex007-]

@@shawna7813 Facts! 🤡

[@JP-jd8wr]

Y'all are gossip girls and not even close to being right

[@varietyvids2062]

He is straight hating on bron

[@dcdj35]

Joel writing checks he not close to cashing right now. His play been showing everyone why he the only one on the team to not make a Conference Finals.

[@roberttallafer2299]

We see Embid's slugglishness cause issues for the offense and defense. Its same with team USA as it with the sixers. He stands around the elbow, clogging up driving lanes. On defense he opens up the middle by dropping but doesn't have the mobility to come back to close out fast enough. Though when the other team goes small or is at least more athletic.

[@B-Will-]

Embid is the only player willing to tell the truth. Notice LeBron & his dope using azz hasn't said a thing

[@takeover5449]

Lebron legs younger than Joel embid

[@Ray-cv6kg]

SAS needs to follow Drip Bayless out of the industry. 😎😎

[@tfoxg77n]

Embiid old asf he already 30

[@afifsamirnasreddine3768]

true. prime years are around 26-35. he's smack dab in the middle of his peak, right?

[@tfoxg77n]

@@afifsamirnasreddine3768 Embiid will never win anything

[@richardmatthews2807]

@@afifsamirnasreddine3768yes prime years start at 25 and usually go until they’re 34-35

[@afifsamirnasreddine3768]

@@tfoxg77n ok? thanks for your opinion and all, but how is that relevant here?

[@bronxshenanigans5302]

30 isn’t old but embiids body is so broken down he prolly got the body of a 38-39 year old

[@QuiinGlobal]

😂 43 point underdog that’s the dumbest spread ever

[@tuklasph]

Yet Joel is the one under performing 😅

[@redcomet0079]

Embid was too concerned about making Mountain Dew commercials, playing video games, eating Doritos, and being an Edgelord 24/7

[@VinceSoori]

It's sad that nobody in the USA knows what's happening in Sudan right now.

[@boskilabow778]

What was the context of the response? Without knowing the question Embiid was responding to or his entire response, its not only hard but to inappropriate to comment as the reaction will inevitably be inaccurate.

[@Stealcurtains64e]

I agree. I think his point was teams think with all their stars they should dominate but in reality some of the stars are not in their prime. So yes they should win and be the favorites but they aren’t all in their primes. So people shouldn’t look at the names but more of the reality which is true

[@boskilabow778]

@@Stealcurtains64e It was a great game, not only a real test for Team USA but an eye-opener. The gap between the USA and other basketball nations is the smallest its ever been and there's a distinct possibility that without bringing their A-game each and every night Team USA might miss out on the gold medal.

[@Legendarysuperninja]

What has Embiid won? Ever?

[@angrygingadude5594]

listen I have not been the biggest Lebron fan throughout his career but my god even at 40 I still consider him a top 10 player and a better over all athlete than Joel Embiid. Embiid has been all talk his career to this point do something in the playoffs and I dont wanna hear about injuries. Lebron even in his late 30's has pushed past the 2nd round in the playoffs

[@B-Will-]

LeBron has been called out for using peds/drugs & he's been quiet about it. His play & all his numbers are very questionable.

[@criticalthought4910]

​You're on Crack and PEDs. The Caucasian who lied on LeBron has no credibility and no proof

[@Ely-i1j]

​@@B-Will-he is playing in the Olympics they test players.... you think the Olympic committee won't try to disprove bron? they will, he got a target on his back and they badly want bron to fail and say like "he is that good because of peds dudes not the same his Godlike athleticism is gone, he is not as fast but he is more skillful now than before, he hides his deficiencies well he is not reliant in speed, quick first step, and jumping like in the trampoline... he plays smartly now... he is slower and he cant take over games like before.... he is still an allstar but not as impactful as before he used to hide his teammates flaws and compensate.... now he actually need proper personnel who can actually make plays.... he is a basketball savant if you build a good roster around him ... he can still compete for championships.... but not the lebron of old he cant do what he can do in 2016 and 2018....

[@KiwiKoNZ]

Ain’t no one buying an Embiid jersey bro lol 🫵😂👉👕

[@v8rmusic406]

Embiid is just used to making excuses its as simple as that.

[@gregoryruffin5696]

What was the question? That’s important. I somewhat agree. Everyone is expecting the USA squad to dominate based upon their names. However, a majority of the players are no longer in their peak prime condition. Therefore we can't expect for the USA squad to wib by 40 every night.

[@0-Elias-0]

*FOUL* Although accurate, Embiid's comments were: (i) out-of-place; (ii) poorly timed; and (iii) detrimental.

[@foursup3139]

As a Bron fan he’s right and it’s common sense the older guys are past their prime . But can somebody tell me what question he was asked for this answer?

[@IW4523]

Correction to Windys point about basketball not being popular in the UK, it's popular, but the infrastructure and support to bring young players to the game is a joke

[@MVSWHS]

No lies told

[@dimevisualz4515]

It’s funny cause he said the same about Steph and KD but yet somehow ONLY THE LEBRON PART GETS TALKED ABOUT go figure like kd not year 18 Steph year 16

[@focuz4899]

I promise you Embiid is not gonna play at a high level for 21 years.

[@killedbymyangels2345]

He’s honestky just stating facts and the KZbin comment world wanna jus find something to agree on to hate someone. Embiid said NOTHING but the truth here

[@andrewkangowa1980]

Come on guys this is 2022-2023 what the f***

[@Forever24Music]

If I were on the S. Sudan team, I'd honestly be celebrating and counting it as a win. That's how people are going to remember it...Should be pretty Clear Now: 36-0....time to bring up the G.O.A.T 'debates' again. We respect all legends and ambassadors of the game. Kobe's the Greatest to Ever Play the Game. #1 Team USA!

[@Gill36912]

Someone call kawhi to make embiid cry again

[@meazy3817]

Where is Shannon

[@Papertowels68]

Ever heard of a vacation? Or you need the play by play on Shannon’s life

[@L0UDM0UTH]

In the gym 💪🏾

[@Alex007-]

No doubt I was looking forward to hearing his comments this morning, for sure!

[@ligardy]

Wait a minute… Joel “my Stomach” “my back” Embiid That Joel Embiid…😒 That old man’s back doesn’t hurt every play off 😅 Even with context that’s a sloppy statement to make.

[@AdrianoJolivesi]

Andre Drummond would be outplaying Embiid in these games. He’s been embarrassing. Outplayed by pretty much every opposing center.

[@chuck9569]

Stephen a stated that perfectly, this is why TYRESE MAXEY is going to be phillys savior. Talent/skill is good for the regular season but if you get soft for a second in the playoffs, it’s over. This is why guys like jimmy butler & ant man are so entertaining.

[@jaycee3487]

And Tyrese is signed to klutch sports agency, brons agency

[@_madpanda]

Embiid's voice sounds like a big baby who's about to cry 💀

[@emiliolz9226]

Embiid is right, LeBron isn’t the same player as when he had ZERO rings like Embiid. He’s much more mature and respected now.

[@clearadvantagecleaningsyst152]

Who is more likely to finish a season, LeBron or Embid? LeBron with the extra years.

[@KingBerry23]

Only thing more atrocious than that USA game is SA’s suit choice today 😂😂

[@jeanmoleus3590]

I won't wanna heard that from Embiid, of all people

[@Davechappelle445]

Windy spoke for 5 mins about sometning that’s got nothing to do with what embiid said

[@evelynpatricia8829]

Great comment Stephen. There is a time, a place and a moment to say things even these are true, saying in the incorrect moment and a certain way make them incorrect. Assertiveness. He should speak about respect and admiration about Lebron who still plays with passion and love for the game not matter his fame and achievements.

[@pgppe9488]

Embiid, is somewhat dilluiousional and his play might infer he was playing for South Sudan instead of USA. What does jersey wearing have to do with current talent of players? If the USA can’t beat the current group of teams at the Olympics with a forty year old Lebron, and an aging Steph then the issue is not the two aging players but the next group of USA talent.

[@princesupalsatachmens7240]

Embiid just said he was getting older.. thats all and he is.. big deal ?? What is the problem

[@jaycee3487]

He also said he ain't dominant no more, and that he's just a overhyped name now

[@etuboldon]

why would you make those comments when you're ON THE TEAM?

[@George-gf5xs]

❤Welcome back Molly and SAS❤

[@keefriff99]

Embiid didn't technically say anything incorrect...LeBron is obviously not at his athletic peak anymore, but it was still a dumb thing to say, especially with the way he's been playing.

[@Mapleleaf-d8n]

Lebron might be slower than he is before . But embiid would probably struggle playing for Shanghai sharks at age 40😂

[@brianst.bernard1009]

Billion dollar team only winning by 1 point is crazy 😂😂

[@YoureWrongHeresWhy]

Joel Embiid is an agent for France at this point, bro trying to ruin team chemistry 🤣

[@lioniphone8664]

World players are legit now, this isnt 92', show international players respect

[@_nc.incarnate_3770]

I think embiid is trying to lower the expectations for team USA in case they lose so they dont get bashed as hard. I genuinely don't think its out of bad will even though I dont like Embiid that much.

[@davidadaway6836]

The rest of these teams look at Lebron, curry, kd as Gods in basketball terms. Many of them grew up as kids watching them, imagine getting to play against them in the Olympics. The hunger to beat them has gotta be off the charts, Lebron is very determined but it’s still a difference between will & determination vs sheer hunger & youth.

[@1983rush]

Joel Embiid needs to keep his mouth closed

[@nicobean5064]

I don’t even know what he said to be honest I hate when he talk

[@StoicManJustin]

Sounds like a skill issue. Git gud.

[@justinzinkowski5933]

I hate when you type.

[@jvc2491]

Y'all talking Lebwrong is the greatest ambasador buy Kobe is the GREATEST Ambasador for International Basketball Asked all players and coaches of Redeem Team when Kobe is out there on how fans are excited and thrilled to see Kobe. All media is under Lebwrong payroll nowadays

[@bruhnaus]

Why is Embiid even playing..? Are there no Centre's from the USA..?

[@ericreid8111]

Embiid might suck on team usa but when the NBA season starts, you know embiid is gonna be one of the 3 top mvp candidates, and LeBron is going to be barely in the play in. And NONE of yall are saying he's wrong. So what are you complaining about

[@lilbuck70]

I really don't think it was a slight what Embiid said. But ppl in the media and SM can & will interpret it to fit their narrative because it's about LBJ. Also, LBJ is absolutely one of the Best, if not, the Best. But Father-Time catches us ''ALL''..to me, the only thing LBJ can't do like he used to is play smothering defense the whole game and guard 1-4 & the occasional 5...I also remember 4 yrs ago when ppl were saying what's wrong with the U.S. team and they still won Gold...

[@rodrickbarner8818]

You can be upset with the messengers but the message is true. He is not the same Lebron. The man is 40. Never seen so many people whine when you criticize a player

[@jaycee3487]

And embiid is a choke artist and injury prone, that's true as well

[@soda8736]

Sudan had I think 7 players with nba experience , all probably had NCAA experience, most of them grew up in states., A dude on Sudan was born in Cincinnati. Stephen A acting like they practice on dirt courts.

[@jaycee3487]

Not only that, they're coached by luol Deng and coach ivey who is gonna be assistant coach to ime udoka of the Houston rockets it's not like they were coached by nobodies

[@titansegundera2.049]

Team USA might fail again from their 20 year drought, also it will mark their 20th Anniversary from the 2004 Athens Olympics. At the exact point where Argentina won their medal in the Men’s Basketball. 🇵🇭

[@phillyjackson45]

Fair 💯

[@waheedmikle4091]

I take issue with Embiid, but more importantly Steven A Smith saying the South Sudan don’t have indoor basketball courts is disingenuous. When the truth is every player on the South Sudan Olympic team might have been born in Africa but they all attended prestigious high school academies, and top public high schools in the United States and Canada. Then they all played college Basketball at major universities. And Khaman Makhach the 17 year old player, is attending the NBA Academy, in Segenal. It’s ran by the NBA and has 2 indoor basketball courts. Steven A’s hate for LeBron reared its ugly head. He and others never miss a opportunity to ‘dry hate’ on LeBron.

[@jakeequality8065]

Embis just said the truth. .If anyone thinks LeBron is the same player he was 5 years ago you're lying to your yourself

[@SCOOBYGD]

You can't look more washed than the guy you're talking about.

[@oblivion3640]

He Ain’t but He’s still doing better than Him 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@YoureWrongHeresWhy]

Joel Embiid limping up the court trying to convince us LBJ ain't the same but yet he is playing better than him

[@caprisunpapiiiiiiiii8296]

Not what he used to be but at least he can still get passed the second round in a tougher conference 😂😂😂

[@steelfist9994]

Embiid looks much older than LeBron on the court.

[@Darealsakbaby]

Lebron at 50>embiid at 30😂😂😂

[@gregoryruffin5696]

Does Stephen A really believe that the South Sudan is preparing for the Olympics on a outdoor dirt court in Africa? In one sentence, we say that the world has caught up to us (basketball wise) but in another sentence, we question why we didn’t win by 43. Which one is it?

[@silvergold2140]

Windy,, if what your saying is true??? none of these players on this team are not what they were 2-5 years ago?? then explain just why the hell they are on this team??

[@MrHnic95]

Windhorst talking bout lebron, eye roll!!

[@Egggcorn]

Embid hasn't even been playing well dudes been lazy asf out there

[@RamonAdorno-ds1wu]

The United States is not in decline but USA basketball is. Due to how we pay and train our players.

[@donaldbell3338]

Stephen A , who put you in that suit and matching color? Dude, it's obvious you lack fashion sense but if you're paying someone----well FIRE THEM.