Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas took offense to Los Angeles Lakers superstar (and future Hall of Famer) LeBron James for warming up shirtless during a pregame shootaround prior to Friday night's game against Houston.
Thomas was part of NBA TV studio when the live video of James' warmup was displayed on the screen as they promoted the Rockets-Lakers as the second game of their doubleheader. While others made jokes about James' attire, or lack thereof, Thomas made it clear he was not a fan of the barechested shootaround.
"I totally 100% object to this ... the professionalism in our NBA league has diminished so much."
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 12, 2025
Isiah Thomas tees off on LeBron James for warming up shirtless pregame in L.A. 😬 pic.twitter.com/j7YPgkcbrc
"I just totally 100% object to this. If I was the GM or coach, I would never let one of my players walk out on the floor looking like this. I mean, we are a professional NBA league...We ain't summer league...We ain't at the YMCA...I just think the professionalism in our NBA league has diminished so much...to walk out on a floor before a game with no shirt on and shoot...come on, man...What are we doing? Now, Adam Silver, if you want to fine somebody, fine that. Put a fine on that."
Some might say that Thomas' comments come across as a "get off my lawn" type of criticism by a retired player who "just doesn't understand" how the game has changed, but he has a point. This does seem like a "Look at me" type of move by James as if he is trying to draw attention to himself, and it wouldn't be the first time. Seems completely unnecessary considering he will go down in history as one of the greatest players in NBA history. We don't think James deserves a fine for this, but it certainly raises some eyebrows.
As far as the game, James scored 14 points and dished 8 assists in 22 minutes as the Lakers blew out the Rockets 140-109.
