As Team USA advances to the next round of the FIBA World Cup 2023 with a perfect 3-0 record, there is a massive controversy which has gripped the basketball world. Athletics champion Noah Lyles questioned the need to call the NBA champions the ‘world champions’ during a press conference, and the NBA world did not take well this. From Kevin Durant, Drake to even De’Aaron Fox, they have all called out Lyles for his comments.

The 200m champion has also found some support from the NBA and the sporting world. A former NFL star recently called out Fox and supported Lyles’ claim on Twitter.

Former NFL star takes on De’Aaron Fox in heated debate

Track and field superstar Noah Lyles is the center of all the attention currently. After winning both the 100 meters and 200 meters dash events at the World Championships, Lyles had a lot to say about the NBA Finals’ ‘World Champions’ tag.

“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?”, said Lyles after winning the 200 meters event according to ESPN.

READ MORE: Just a Day After Noah Lyles Gets Torn to Shreds by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and the NBA World, Stephen A Issues Stern Public Apology

Following his comments, there have been a number of people who have given their thoughts. NBA All-Star De’Aaron Fox recently chimed in while replying to former NFL Quarterback Robert Griffin III. Griffin defended Lyles’ comments and also talked about how track and field is getting the attention because of his comments.

“But yet he’s brought more attention to the NBA and what they’re doing. No one’s is talking about track nor him winning the 100m and 200m. So what did he really do?”, wrote Fox on Twitter while replying to Griffin’s tweet.

The Sacramento Kings star had intially inquired whether Griffin even knew what Lyles was asked in the press conference. When the former Baltimore Ravens QB gave an apt reply to Fox, the 2023 Most Clutch Player brought up how Lyles has just brought more publicity for the NBA.

What did the other NBA stars say about Lyles’ comments?

The NBA stars are not the type to back down from a fight. Two time champion Kevin Durant was the most notable name to call out Lyles’ comments.

“Somebody help this brother”, wrote Durant on Instagram. His Phoenix Suns teammate Devin Booker also expressed his disappointment under the same comment section. Damian Lillard, Udonis Haslem and many others also called out the track and field champion. Interestingly, even rapper Drake bashed Noah Lyles and supported the NBA stars’ claims.

WATCH THIS STORY: Despite Cardiac Arrest, LeBron James and Bronny James to Be Future 76ers Target as James Harden-Joel Embiid Drama Grows, per Insider

Do you agree with Noah Lyles? Let us know in the comments below.