Lyles made those remarks after winning three gold titles at the World Athletic Games in Budapest, Hungary. TMZ reported the 26-year-old said NBA players shouldn’t use the “world champions” slogan since they only play in the United States and Canada.

“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?” Lyles said Friday night.

He continued: “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.”

"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

NBA players

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week