Maintaining his reputation as one of the fastest men on the planet, American sprinter Noah Lyles has once again asserted his dominance. He is a proven athlete, as he just won three gold medals in the track and field world championships in Budapest.
When Lyles harshly criticized the best NBA players in the United States, he received immediate blowback. He criticized them for calling themselves “world champions” even though most of the clubs in the league were American. NBA players like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker wasted no time firing back at Noah Lyles remarks with comedic replies across social media
Kevin Durant, Devin Booker clap back at Noah Lyles’ NBA finals jab
When Noah Lyles commented negatively on NBA players declaring themselves “world champions” after winning the NBA championship, he received a strong reaction. Basketball stars including Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Draymond Green responded angrily to the track sensation for what they saw as a disrespect.
After winning the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4×100-meter relay events at the World Athletic Games in Budapest, Hungary, Lyles shared his thoughts about NBA players using the term “world champions” to characterize themselves. Since NBA games only take place in the United States and Canada, he said, the moniker was irrelevant.
Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and other NBA players respond to Noah Lyles' comments. pic.twitter.com/O1eApkNpFG
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 28, 2023
NBA players jumped right into the discussion. Kevin Durant said, “Somebody help this brother,” while Devin Booker posted a facepalm emoji in response. Even four-time NBA champion Draymond Green weighed in, saying, “When being smart goes wrong.”
Players and fans alike have strong feelings about Lyles’ remarks. Lyles’ Instagram was swamped with both criticism and support, with one commenter directly addressing Lyles’ view of the track’s significance.
The NBA Finals are only open to teams from North America, so Lyles has a point there, but it’s worth noting that many of the best players in the world play in the NBA. Players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic demonstrate the NBA’s commitment to diversity from all over the world. Lyles has not yet responded to the NBA’s criticism of his remarks.
What did Noah Lyles say about NBA’s ‘world champions’?
It’s official: Noah Lyles is still the best in the world. At the Track and Field World Championships held in Budapest over the weekend, the American sprinter won gold in both the 100- and 200-meter events. He also ran the 100-meter dash at a new American record-setting speed, which ranks third all-time.
Lyles’s incredible accomplishment is compounded by the fact that he is the first person to win the 100 and 200-meter events separately since Usain Bolt in 2015. His record of success proves he is deserving of the title of World Champion.
"I love the U.S… but that ain't the world!" ❌
Noah Lyles throws shade at the NBA's 'world champions' 🏀👀 pic.twitter.com/BRCJagckcK
— Eurosport (@eurosport) August 27, 2023
“I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have world champions on their heads. World champion of what? The United States? Don’t get me wrong. I love the U.S. at times. But that ain’t the world…. We are the world. We have almost every country out here fighting and thriving and putting on a flag to show that they are represented. There ain’t no flags in the NBA.”
The comments by the athlete received a reaction and backlash from many NBA players and even sports fans. Let us know in the comments what you think about the sprinter’s comments.
