The Slim Reaper‘s infamous Noah Lyles jab has definitely not aged well. Kevin Durant called out the 6-time World Champion for his statement against the NBA terming its champions “world champions”. However, Team USA’s disappointing end to the 2023 FIBA World Cup campaign ensured Lyles had the last laugh. Although, the former MVP did not seem impressed with the 26-year-old’s fans’ “victory laps” in a now-deleted tweet.

Kevin Durant defended the NBA’s tradition of crowing its champions “world champions” by calling out for help for Lyles following his infamous comment. The NBA star-filled Team USA too looked set on their path to justify the glorious title. Then came three shocking losses that rendered the team without a medal in the tournament. Naturally, Lyles’ fans brought up his comments, taking jabs at Durant and Co. for berating him. However, The Slim Reaper made his attempt to shun the criticism in the retracted tweet.

Kevin Durant will not take the smoke from Lyles’ fans

Kevin Durant made his infamous comment, “Somebody help this brother“ received tremendous slander after Anthony Edwards and Team USA’s unceremonious exit from the FIBA World Cup. In fact, Lyles himself released a statement regarding the controversy, calling for peace. However, just when the fiasco seemed to be heading towards a conclusion, Lyles’ fans poked the bear.

The 6-time World Champion’s fans gave the Phoenix Suns forward a taste of his own medicine. They brought up his own comment to take a jab at the former MVP. However, the perpetual social media warrior, Kevin Durant, decided to take matters into his own hands. He gave a powerful response to the criticism by taking to X before quickly reconsidering his actions.

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“I still don’t kno what y’all lames taking victory laps for..if u jealous of nba players just say that”, said the 13-time All-Star in a now-deleted tweet. The 2-time NBA champion took a direct jab, of sorts, at Lyles’ fans for their mockery of NBA stars. He attempted to put an end to the narrative by defending the NBA for their “world champions” tradition. But Team USA’s FIBA World Cup performance may not have justified the claims well enough. Although the team dominated the group stages of the tournament, their exit marked the end of their gold medal quest, much to Lyles fans’ excitement. However, Durant may take the court himself to hold up the argument now.

The Slim Reaper seems to have taken the slander personally

After Team USA returned home without a medal, fans could not help but bring up Lyles’ comment. Can the NBA crown its winners, as World Champions after NBA’s finest could not win an international event? This was a question that thoroughly puzzled the basketball world. However, Durant may step on the court himself to hold up the claim next year.

Team USA’s hopes for gold in the 2024 Paris Olympics came crashing down after their humiliation in the FIBA World Cup. But reports have suggested that Kevin Durant, alongside NBA legends, LeBron James and Stephen Curry may redeem the pride Team USA had in international tournaments.

The Slim Reaper has not committed to the Team USA campaign yet. However, the slander from fans may have prompted Durant to return to national colors to restore the World Champions title.

READ MORE: Noah Lyles’ ‘NBA World Champion’ Jibe Triggers Brutal 4-Word Response From Ex-World Cup Winner After Germany’s FIBA Triumph

With Team USA and the NBA receiving major criticism from fans, will they “Assemble the Avengers”? Can Kevin Durant’s return to national colors deliver the nation a gold medal and justify NBA’s “world champions”  claim? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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