Detroit Pistons Legend Makes Unpopular LeBron James Comment

In this story:
LeBron James’ on-court workout before the Los Angeles Lakers' matchup against the Houston Rockets didn’t sit right with Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas.
During an NBA TV segment, James was shown getting up shots before an important game on Friday night. As LeBron was shirtless, it forced Thomas to go on a rant, criticizing the lack of “professionalism” put on by the LA star.
"I just totally, one-hundred percent object to this,” said Thomas.
“If I was the GM or coach, I would never let one of my players walk out on the floor looking like this. We are a professional NBA league. We ain't summer league, we ain't at the YMCA... I just think the professionalism in our NBA league has diminished so much."
Thomas had some supporters on his panel. As for social media, there was a lot of pushback for the former Pistons legend. The point was made, but it seems to be an unpopular comment among the masses.
Throughout the 2024-2025 NBA season, comments from former players about today’s game have frequently fired up debates and called for comparisons of NBA eras. While Thomas made it clear he doesn’t have any issues with LeBron the human or the player—even calling himself a fan of the future Hall of Famer—he simply believes “professionalism” lines are being crossed. Therefore, he encourages NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to make some changes.
“Adam Silver, if you want to fine somebody, fine that! Put a fine on that!” Thomas finished.
More Pistons on SI
Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia
Follow JGrasso_