In yet another clash of NBA eras, Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas has added his voice to the growing chorus of former players criticizing modern-day NBA stars. This time, his target is none other than LeBron James, and the offense? Warming up shirtless before a game.
During Friday night’s Lakers vs. Rockets matchup at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, cameras caught LeBron James shooting around in gray sweatpants with no shirt on. It didn’t take long for the moment to go viral—nor for Thomas to offer his two cents.
“I just totally, 100 percent object to this,” Thomas said during the NBA TV broadcast. “If I was the GM, the coach, I would never let one of my players walk out on the floor looking like this. I mean we are the professional NBA league. We ain’t Summer League. We ain’t at the YMCA.”
A Matter of Professionalism or Personal Preference?
Thomas, a Hall of Famer and two-time NBA champion, is known for his strong opinions and old-school mindset. But his critique goes beyond mere dress code—it’s about what he sees as a decline in NBA professionalism.
“I just think the professionalism in our NBA league has diminished so much,” he added. “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 c’mon man. Where are we at? What are we doing? Where are we at? Adam Silver, if you want to fine somebody, fine that. Put a fine on that.”
While many fans see LeBron’s shirtless warmup as part of his intense preparation routine—or simply a product of the modern game’s relaxed culture—Thomas sees it as a troubling sign.
A History of Controversy
Interestingly, Thomas’s remarks also reignited discussion around his own past. In 2007, Madison Square Garden and Thomas were found liable in a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by former Knicks executive Anucha Browne Sanders. While Thomas denied the allegations, the case was settled for a whopping $11.6 million.
Critics on social media were quick to point out the irony of Thomas questioning professionalism, given his legal history.
LeBron's Longevity and Influence
At 40 years old and in his 22nd NBA season, LeBron James remains a global icon, not just in sports but in culture. His warmup routine—shirtless or not—is watched, mimicked, and scrutinized by millions.
Friday’s game marked his 12th game back after missing time with a groin injury. While Thomas focused on his appearance, LeBron’s fans were more concerned with how he played.
The Generational Divide
This moment is just the latest example of the generational gap in the NBA. From Allen Iverson’s infamous dress code clash in the 2000s to Charles Barkley’s weekly rants about modern players, older stars often express concern over how the game—and its image—has changed.
But is the league really less professional, or just evolving? Should a shirtless warmup spark outrage in 2025, or is this more about nostalgia for a bygone era?
Final Thoughts
Isiah Thomas may have a point—depending on who you ask. To some, he’s defending the dignity of the league. To others, he’s just another veteran unable to adapt to change.
In an NBA era that’s increasingly player-driven and culturally influential, the question remains: Is this evolution or erosion?
Let us know in the comments:
💬 Should LeBron be allowed to warm up shirtless, or does Isiah Thomas have a valid point?
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