Isiah Thomas Calls Out LeBron James Over Shirtless Warm-Up: “Where Are We At?”
So, here we are again—another NBA legend from the old school taking issue with how the modern game is evolving, and this time, it's none other than Isiah Thomas aiming his sights at LeBron James. The topic? LeBron warming up shirtless before the Lakers' recent game against the Rockets. Yep, shirtless. That’s all it took to fire up a full-on televised rant from Thomas.
Now, picture this: LeBron, preparing for a big Friday night game at Crypto.com Arena, comes out on the court for his pre-game routine. He’s in sweatpants, no shirt, getting loose and getting focused. No fans around yet, just him and the rhythm of the game. Seems harmless, right? Not to Isiah.
On the NBA TV broadcast, Thomas didn’t hold back. He flat-out said, “I just totally, 100 percent object to this.” In his view, LeBron stepping onto the hardwood with no shirt on is a reflection of the “diminished professionalism” in today’s NBA. He doubled down, saying, “We ain’t Summer League. We ain’t at the YMCA. This is the professional NBA league.”
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And he wasn’t alone. Fellow analyst Steve Smith even chimed in with his own nostalgia, saying coaches should go back to wearing suits, and Isiah emphatically agreed. For them, it’s about upholding tradition, respect, and a sense of formality that they feel has faded over time.
But let’s pause and be real—this is LeBron James. He’s in his 22nd season, still competing at an elite level, and recovering from a groin injury. If anyone has earned the right to warm up however he feels comfortable, it’s probably him. Plus, this wasn’t showboating in front of fans or during game time. It was two hours before tip-off, in a mostly empty arena.
Still, Isiah didn’t back down. He even took it further by suggesting that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver should fine LeBron for it. “If you want to fine somebody, fine that. Put a fine on that,” he insisted.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t just about LeBron or even a shirt. This is part of a broader, ongoing culture clash between the generations of basketball. For older players, the league was about discipline, suits, and structure. For the new generation, it’s about expression, comfort, and pushing boundaries. Both sides have valid points, but moments like this highlight just how differently they view the game—and what it means to respect it.
In the end, it’s a minor incident that’s stirred up a major debate. Isiah sees a slide in professionalism. LeBron, well, he’s probably just focused on staying healthy and helping his team win. But one thing’s for sure: even after more than two decades in the league, LeBron James still knows how to get people talking—even without saying a word.
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