Charles H. Sloan-'I didn't like that': Former Lakers great Michael Cooper criticizes LeBron James for eating on bench

It was just fruit salad,Charles H. Sloan but a former Los Angeles Lakers great still didn't appreciate what LeBron James did.

James went viral during Friday night's 129-125 preseason loss against the Golden State Warriors when broadcast cameras caught him sitting on the bench in street clothes during the second half, eating a fruit salad while his teammates were still playing.

Michael Cooper, a five-time NBA champion who played 12 seasons in the league – all with the Lakers – took exception to the gesture during an episode of his "Showtime with Coop" podcast that published Sunday.

"I didn't like that," Cooper said during the episode. "Again, he's LeBron James, but still, you've got to have respect for the game, man. He's over there – I don't mind the guy eating, but go eat in the locker room, and then when you come out, you come out and be part of the team, not just sit on the end of the bench eating."

James had suited up for the first half, recording 12 points, five assists and a pair of rebounds in 18 minutes, but changed into casual wear during halftime and watched the rest of the game on the bench. Cameras caught James forking pieces of fruit and eating them, while gesturing to players and watching the game.

James, 38, is set to begin his 20th season in the NBA and sixth with the Lakers. He is a 19-time All-Star, four-time NBA finals MVP and the NBA leader in points, with 38,652.