LeBron James faces criticism for shirtless warmup before game

Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas took exception to LeBron James shooting shirtless before the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Houston Rockets on Friday night.

Thomas, an analyst for NBA TV, took issue with James’ alleged lack of professionalism as he warmed up.

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April 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) passes against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. (Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images)

“I just totally 100% object to this,” Thomas said. “If I were the GM or coach, I would never let one of my players walk out on the floor looking like this. I mean, we’re a professional NBA league. We ain’t summer league. We ain’t at the YMCA.”

Thomas agreed with Steve Smith when he said he thought the NBA should go back to making players wear suits.

“I just think the professionalism in our NBA league has diminished so much,” he continued. “Look, I like LeBron, I’m a fan of his so forth and so on. But to walk out on the floor before a game with no shirt on and shoot – I mean come on man. Where we at? What we doing?

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February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio: NBA great Isiah Thomas is honored for being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during halftime in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)

“Adam Silver, if you want to fine somebody, fine that. Put a fine on that.”

James appeared to respond to Thomas’ comment in a post on X after the Lakers won the game, 140-109.

“Man I was going to say something but it’s useless at this point in my career! Anyways more important CONGRATULATIONS JJ on a 50 win season in the WEST & Post Season nod!” he wrote.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, dunks as Houston Rockets center Jock Landale defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, April 11, 2025, in Los Angeles.  (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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James had 14 points, eight assists and four rebounds.

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