Lou Williams: Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey Meeting Rumors 'Blown Out of Proportion'

Former NBA guard Lou Williams stated on FanDuel TV's "Run It Back" podcast that the Philadelphia 76ers' emergency team meeting which reportedly included guard Tyrese Maxey calling out center Joel Embiid for being late to "everything" was blown out of proportion.

"From my understanding, they just had a conversation on accountability, just keeping everybody in check you know?" Williams said in part. "And sometimes, you just got to have that as a team to make sure we all on the same page."

Williams also added: "It wasn't as much as Tyrese Maxey challenging Joel Embiid as it's been stated."

ESPN's Shams Charania previously reported on the Pat McAfee Show that the 76ers had a 90-minute meeting after a 106-89 road loss to the Miami Heat on Monday.

Maxey reportedly called Embiid out and "challenged" him to be on time for team activities going forward, noting how his behavior "impacts the locker room, from other players to the coaching staff," per Charania.

The 2-11 76ers currently own the NBA's worst record along with the Washington Wizards.

There's a few different perspectives on the meeting based on the different reports, most specifically the tone.

Based on the content of Maxey's reported remarks, according to Charania, it wouldn't seem like the happiest of locker room environments, especially considering how poorly the team has played.

Williams obviously brings a different outlook on the matter.

"It wasn't as much about accountability by all accounts. Those guys are doing just fine. They were sitting next to each other when we were on the phone laughing and giggling and having a good time, trying to get this team back on the same page. And so from what I understand, that was the context of the conversation, not as much of the negative stuff that's trying to come out at this point."

Charania did note that Maxey and Embiid "have a close friendship and have a history of holding each other accountable."

"Tyrese loves Big Fella', but this is the elephant in the room," a source told Charania.

So at the very least, the two clearly are on good terms personally. That's a good foundation for the 76ers to have as they look to turn this season around.

This season has been an abject disaster, with the team most notably sitting dead last in offensive rating, per Basketball-Reference.

But the season is still just 13 games old. There's plenty of time for the 76ers to dig out of this hole and put the first month behind them.

Philadelphia has also been shorthanded all year, with the big three of Embiid, Maxey and Paul George playing a combined 17 games. The trio hasn't suited up for the same game yet either, as Maxey is currently out with a right hamstring injury.

However, Wednesday presents an opportunity for the trio to finally start together as Maxey is listed as questionable for a road game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.