Noah Lyles' criticism sparks backlash by NBA players

Noah Lyles became the first man since Usain Bolt to complete a triple at worlds with wins in the 100-meter, 200-meter and 4x100-meter races at the world championships in Budapest, Hungary, last week.

When track and field star Noah Lyles questioned why people refer to NBA title winners as "world champions," everyone from Drake to Kevin Durant rushed to have their say. One analyst says it's a case study in American exceptionalism.

He had one grievance on his mind: NBA players using the title of "world champion" after winning the NBA Finals.

 NBA Finals and they have 'world champion' on their head. World champion of what? The United States?" said Lyles, responding to a question after his 200-meter victory.

"Don't get me wrong. I love the U.S., at times, but that ain't the world. 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," he added.

Lyles, 26, questioned the validity of the NBA's "world champions" title while addressing the media after his three gold medal wins at the track and field World Athletics championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Kevin Durant – were none too pleased with Lyles' comments. And in response to social media posts with his comments, they chirped back.

"Somebody help this brother," Durant wrote in an Instagram comment Sunday evening.

"Can't make this (expletive) up," Philadelphia 76ers forward P.J. Tucker added in another.

Retired NBA player and ESPN commentator Kendrick Perkins wrote of Lyles: "Put his brain in a bird and the bird will start flying backwards!!!"

The NBA has seen a significant increase in popularity and success for its' international stars, with players like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic quickly becoming faces of the league.

Lyles, meanwhile has the fourth-fastest 200-meter time ever recorded worldwide, behind just Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake, both from Jamaica. Lyles, from Florida, took home three gold medals at the World Athletics championships this week, in the 100-meter, 200-meter and the 4 x 100-meter relay as part of Team USA.

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Sarah H

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