The tag “world champion” carries significant weight. It’s a title that signifies dominance and superiority over all others. But what happens when an athlete from another sport challenges the legitimacy of the “world champion” status of the NBA? After making a historic gold hat-trick at the championship meet, U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles questioned NBA players claiming to represent the world, while teams in the league are mostly American.

His comments have sparked a heated debate in the sports community, with many NBA players firing back at Lyles’ comments. Among them is Aaron Gordon, a player who not only defended his status as a world champion but also challenged Lyles to a race. He has recently signed a staggering $86,640,001 contract with the Denver Nuggets, joining the champ Nikola Jokic.

NBA players backfires at Lyles’ remarks

In a press conference, Lyles took a dig at the NBA after winning three golds in Budapest. He criticized NBA players for labeling themselves as “world champions” after winning an NBA title. He questioned, “World champion of what? The United States?”. His comments reached numerous NBA figures, and many didn’t take it lightly.

READ MORE: Usain Bolt’s Favourite Rival, Who Noah Lyles Destroyed, Shares Disappointing Statement After World Athletics Championship Loss: “I Shouldn’t Have Been Here”

Kevin Durant wrote, “Somebody help this brother,” and Devin Booker responded with a face-palm emoji to Lyles’s comments. Aaron Gordon also joined in, who is currently chilling with Jokic in Serbia. He challenged the six-time world champion sprinter to a race, stating, “Whatever… I’m smoking buddy in the 200m”. This bold statement indeed highlights his winning spirit, which is important to winning an NBA title. He seems confident in his statement that he can beat Lyles.

Setting the dance stage with Jokic in Serbia 

Just after a few hours of replying to Lyles, he was spotted in Serbia enjoying the nightlife with his new teammate. The two were seen living their best life together in Serbia, with Jokic even introducing Gordon to his love for horse racing. They were dancing to the local tunes in the streets of Serbia.

As for the debate on who can rightfully claim the title of “world champion”, it continues to rage on. Regardless of where one stands on this issue, whether it’s basketball court or the track, these athletes are champions in their own right.

Watch this story: Noah Lyles Eyeing on Shattering Another Record of Usain Bolt After Breaking the Sprinting Legend’s Record in Seven Years