Basketball Hall of Famer and Detroit Pistons icon Isiah Thomas didn’t hold back during his appearance on NBA TV Friday night, expressing strong disapproval over what he perceives as a slip in professionalism across the NBA. The target of his frustration? None other than Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
The comments came ahead of the Lakers’ matchup with the Houston Rockets, as the broadcast aired footage of James warming up shirtless on the court.
“We Ain’t Summer League… We Ain’t the YMCA”
Watching the footage unfold, Thomas reacted sharply, voicing his disappointment over James' shirtless warm-up routine.
“I just 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 professional, NBA league. We ain't Summer League. We ain't the YMCA.”
Thomas continued his critique by lamenting what he sees as a broader issue within the league.
“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, come on, man? Where we at? What we doing? Where we at?”
Thomas Says He’d Fine LeBron for the Act
While it wasn’t confirmed when the footage was captured, one detail that stood out was the absence of fans in the background during James’ warm-up. Regardless, Thomas insisted that if he held authority, James would be penalized for what he views as an unprofessional act.
“…Adam Silver, if you want to fine somebody, fine that. Put a fine on that,” he said, directing his comments to the NBA Commissioner.
LeBron Leaves Game Early, Lakers Cruise Past Rockets
As for the game itself, James played only 22 minutes before checking out, appearing to aggravate a groin issue. Despite the early exit, he remained on the bench for the rest of the game, and Lakers head coach JJ Redick later confirmed that James was "fine."