As Team USA, led by Anthony Edwards and Austin Reaves, battled it out in the FIBA World Cup 2023, there was a major debate doing the rounds around the NBA world. Track and field champion Noah Lyles sparked a debate after questioning the need to crown NBA champions as the ‘world champions‘. Eminent names like Kevin Durant, Drake, and even Stephen A. Smith had ripped into Lyles for his comments.

Now that the United States of America has crashed out of the World Cup, Lyles’ comments have resurfaced. Interestingly, the tables have turned in this instance.

Stephen A. Smith tracks back on his words

“World champion of what? The United States? Don’t get me wrong. I love the US at times. But that ain’t the world“, said Noah Lyles after winning both the 100m and 200m events at the World Athletics Championship.

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His statements instantly went viral with many NBA stars coming to the league’s rescue. Stephen A. Smith had labeled Lyles as ”flagrantly ignorant‘ following these comments. But just a week after his comments, it looks like Lyles has the last laugh. Following the USA’s shocking FIBA exit at the hands of Germany, thousands of NBA fans across social media have sided with him.

USA Out of the FIBA World Cup! Austin Reaves and Anthony Edwards’ Resilience Fades Away as Dennis Schroder’s Germany Rattle Steve Kerr

Moreover, Smith has tracked back on his own words. In the first episode of ‘First Take’ on ESPN after USA’s loss, Smith humbly accepted his defeat. “The NBA championship is not the world, international competitions is different. And the USA gets exposed because of their lack of depth. Their lack of cohesiveness compared to these other teams from other nations”, said Smith.

Not only Smith, but other eminent names like former NBA champion Kevin Durant had bashed Noah Lyles. The Phoenix Suns superstar had taken to Instagram in order to talk about the controversial claims.

Team USA just falls short of a gold medal dream

The Semi-Finals between the United States of America and Germany were a treat for sports fans. The Germans held on to their advantage from the second half, but they faced a late haul from Team USA in the fourth quarter.

They cut down on a lot of the deficit, but ultimately, Germany won the game 113-111. Andreas Obst stood out with 24 points while former Los Angeles Lakers star Dennis Schroder had 17 points. From the USA, Anthony Edwards had 26 points, with Austin Reaves recording 19 points coming off the bench. Mikal Bridges also had 22 points to his name.

WATCH THIS STORY: Shaquille O’Neal Subtly Warns Austin Reaves and Anthony Edwards of a Storm Coming, as NBA All Star-Led Rivals Smoke Latvia to Overshadow Team USA

What are your thoughts on Noah Lyles’ comments? Let us know in the comments below.