Gold medalist sprinter Noah Lyles questions NBA’s ‘world champion’ label

‘World champion of what?’ Noah Lyles takes swipe at NBA players

After winning the 200-meter sprint double at the World Athletics Championships in Hungary on Friday, Noah Lyles questioned the NBA’s use of the term “world champion,” saying it was limited in scope to the U.S.

“You know what hurts me the most is that I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have ‘world champion’ on their head. 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,” Lyles said.

Lyles then mentioned that there are no flags in the NBA, underscoring the contrast on the global stage.

“That is not the world. We are the world. We have almost every country out here fighting, thriving, putting on their flag to show that they are represented. There ain’t no flags in the NBA. We gotta do more. We gotta be presented to the world,” he said.

Several NBA players, such as the Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers and Aaron Gordon from the Denver Nuggets, took to social media to respond to Lyles’ remarks.

“Somebody help this brother,” Durant said. Meanwhile, Lillard responded with two laughing emojis, while Booker used a facepalm emoji. Additionally, Gordon commented, “I’m smoking buddy in the 200.”

On the other hand, Hall of Famer and San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich agreed with Lyles. After San Antonio secured their titles, he objected to referring to his team as world champions, citing that they had yet to play against the best teams from Europe or other countries.

Lyles made history by becoming the first male sprinter since Usain Bolt to win the 100m and 200m races. Lyles also became the first male sprinter since Bolt to secure three consecutive 200m world titles.

He expressed his satisfaction on Friday, highlighting his uniqueness as a double champion that sets himself apart from others.