NBA legend LeBron James sparked debate when he warmed up shirtless before a Lakers game. The incident, caught on NBA TV, drew sharp criticism from Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas.
Thomas, a two-time NBA champion, called the act unprofessional. He stated he would never allow a player under his leadership – as a coach or GM – to do the same.
Comparing the NBA to casual leagues like the YMCA, Thomas argued that professionalism has declined in the league. Though he praised James’ skills, he questioned the appropriateness of the shirtless warm-up, asking:
“Where are we at? What are we doing?” He even urged NBA commissioner Adam Silver to consider fining such behavior.
“The professionalism in our NBA league has diminished so much… Adam Silver, if you want to fine someone, fine that,” he added.
Isiah Thomas goes off on LeBron James for warming up shirtless and in a durag
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 12, 2025
“the professionalism in our NBA league has diminished so much.”
(h/t @awfulannouncing )
pic.twitter.com/EEQ7Cg3jf3
Despite the controversy, James played well, scoring 16 points in the Lakers’ 104-98 win. The victory helped secure a 50-32 regular-season record, earning them the West’s third seed.
They faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first playoff round as James chased his fifth NBA title – and second with the Lakers, amid the ongoing debate over on-court professionalism.
Lakers’ rookie coach JJ Redick makes history with division title
In his first year, coach JJ Redick led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 50-win season and secured the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with a 140-109 win over the Houston Rockets.
The Lakers finished 50-31, outpacing rivals LA Clippers (49-32), Golden State Warriors (48-33), Sacramento Kings (39-42), and Phoenix Suns (36-45).
Redick became the first Lakers rookie coach to win the division since Pat Riley in 1981-82.
Riley went on to build a dynasty with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
On the flip side, since March, the Timberwolves have taken off, winning 17 of their last 21 games. In the same span, the Lakers have gone just 13-11. Minnesota ranks No. 2 in offensive rating during that stretch and continues to dominate on both ends.
“It’s a very difficult opponent,” Lakers head coach J.J. Redick said Sunday, via The Athletic. “They’ve played as well as anyone lately. I believe they’re one of four teams in the top 10 in offense and defense. So they present a lot of problems.”
"Very difficult opponent….they present a lot of problems," JJ Redick says on the T-Wolves
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) April 13, 2025
Can Redick replicate this success with LeBron James and Luka Dončić?
Only the playoffs will tell.
READ: Bronny James Makes Lakers History in First NBA Start
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
