Noah Lyles single-handedly managed to start a war among basketball fans. His claim on NBA Champions not being World Champions has now split the league into two groups already. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Damian Lillard, and many others have sided against the American sprinter. However, a few have used Gregg Popovich’s comments back in 2010 to side with Noah Lyles.?Shaquille O’Neal was the first big name to side with Lyles. Now, another NBA legend has joined the club.?

Considering the trend at which this debate is moving, looks like a few more might side with Lyles and the Los Angeles Lakers legend soon.

Another NBA legend sides with Noah Lyles after Shaquille O’Neal?

The current NBA stars made sure Lyles regretted speaking about the world championship. The famous sprinter was criticized left and right by several NBA superstars. Thankfully for the 26-year-old, San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich came in for the rescue.

The Hall of Famer shared in 2010, “It doesn’t make sense for an NBA team to call them World Champions. I don’t remember anybody playing anybody outside our borders to get that tag.”

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As the above quotes hit social media again, a sudden shift was seen as a few started to support Lyles’s take. First of them was none other than Shaquille O’Neal who shared Popovich’s quotes to his Instagram story. Guess who joined Shaq?

Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas who is known for his rivalry with Michael Jordan. Sharing the same quotes, Thomas tweeted,?“2010 this was said”, extending the debate further.??

A few fans have already sided with Lyles on his sudden take. Now that two more legends have been added to the side, there is a good chance of Lyles getting more support. As a matter of fact, a New York Knicks guard also agreed with Lyles’s statement.?

A sudden shift in favor of Noah Lyles?

Shooting guard Evan Fournier, who is playing for France in FIBA, took time to share his thoughts on Lyles’s take.

The French guard revealed, “If you participate in the World Cup or even the Olympics and you win, you have the right to call yourself world champions.” He further added, “The way I look at is NBA champions… It’s just a title.”?

This is, however, a new trend. Lyles’ comments were initially received poorly by NBA stars. But many have already criticized the negativity spewed on the gold medalist, including NFL athletes and Sha’Carri Richardson. Maybe that’s why players are taking the high road now.

It’s safe to say that a few more players might side with Lyles.?But what do you think? Can NBA Champions be considered World Champions??

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