Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

NBA legend rips LeBron James for lack of 'professionalism'

By Sai Mohan | Last updated Apr 12, 2025 9:32 AM ET

Isiah Thomas is one of the few players from the Michael Jordan era who considers LeBron James, not "His Airness," the GOAT of pro basketball.

Yet, Thomas didn't hold back in his criticism of James ahead of Friday's Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets clash. During an NBA TV broadcast, the cameras panned to a shirtless James in a pre-game shootaround, triggering a scathing rant from the two-time NBA champion.

"I totally 100% object to this," Thomas said. "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.

"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 — come on, man. Where are we at? What are we doing?"

Isiah Thomas goes off on LeBron James for warming up shirtless and in a durag

“the professionalism in our NBA league has diminished so much.”

(h/t @awfulannouncing )

pic.twitter.com/EEQ7Cg3jf3
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 12, 2025

Thomas agreed with co-host Steve Smith that the NBA should make it mandatory for head coaches to wear suits, citing a lack of professionalism in players and other team personnel. The 1990 Finals MVP also implored NBA commissioner Adam Silver to fine James for his pre-game attire or lack thereof.

After the Lakers secured a 140-109 win over the Rockets, James did not address Thomas' comments directly but sent out a cryptic tweet that seemed to touch upon the criticism.

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! That’s
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 12, 2025

Sai Mohan

A veteran sportswriter based in Portugal, Sai covers the NBA for Yardbarker and a few local news outlets. He had the honor of covering sporting events across four different continents as a newspaper reporter. Some of his all-time favorite athletes include Mike Tyson, Larry Bird, Luís Figo, Ayrton Senna and Steffi Graf.

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