Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas exempted LeBron James, who shoots Shirtless before Los Angeles Lakers went on the Houston Rockets Friday night.
Thomas, an analyst for NBA TV, questioned James’ alleged lack of professionalism as he warmed up.
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April 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California: Los Angeles Lakers tip LeBron James (23) passes against Houston Rockets during the first half of Crypto.com Arena. (Jonathan Hui-Preferred Pictures)
“I’m just 100% contradictory to this,” Thomas said. “If I were GM or Coach, I would never let one of my players go out on the floor and look like this. I mean we’re a professional NBA -League. We’re not summer league. We’re not on KFUM.”
Thomas agreed with Steve Smith when he said he thought the NBA should return to getting players to wear suits.
“I just think the professionalism of our NBA League has diminished so much,” he continued. “Look, I like LeBron, I’m a fan of his so on and so on. But going out on the floor before a game without shirt on and shooting – I mean came on man. Where we are? What are we doing?
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February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio: NBA Great isiah Thomas is honored to be selected for the NBA 75th anniversary team during the break in 2022 NBA All-Star Game on Rocket Mortagon Fieldhouse. (Kyle Terada-usa Today Sports)
“Adam Silver, if you want to fine anyone, fine it. Put a fine on it.”
James seemed to respond to Thomas’ comment in a post on X, after Lakers won the game, 140-109.
“Man, I would say something, but it’s useless at this point in my career! Anyways more important congratulations JJ with a 50 win season in the West & Post season nod!” he wrote.
Los Angeles Lakers -tip LeBron James, left, Dunks as Houston Rockets Center Jock Landale Defender During the first half of an NBA Basketball match on Friday, April 11, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
James had 14 points, eight assists and four rebounds.
