After the epic showdown between Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula, where Aryna snagged the win, it’s now time for the Men’s US Open final with Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz going head-to-head. The energy is off the charts, and the crowd is packed with a killer lineup of celebs and sports stars. NBA big shots Jayson Tatum and Paul George are in the mix, and guess who else? Noah Lyles.

The tension between Noah Lyles and NBA stars like Jayson Tatum is still running hot, especially after that unforgettable 100m final moment at the Olympics. When Lyles took the win, Joel Embiid bounced early, and Tatum was there too, clearly not thrilled about Lyles’ victory either—and we all know why. Fast forward to the US Open Men’s final, with both Tatum and Paul George in the stands, and Lyles potentially in the same crowd, the vibe is bound to get awkward.

Lyles’ comments about the NBA. Don’t get me wrong, I love the U.S. – at times – but that ain’t the world,” Lyles said. “We are the world. We have almost every country out here fighting, thriving, putting on their flag to show they are represented. There ain’t no flags in the NBA.”—have been stirring up more than just bad vibes since August. His take calls out the NBA’s lack of global representation and international flair.

 Lyles’ words challenge the league’s international appeal and diversity, so it’s understandable why players might still be feeling some kind of way about it.

“Somebody help this brother”-Kevin Durant on Noah Lyles

After Noah Lyles threw shade at NBA players, he caught major heat. Kevin Durant jumped on Instagram, posting, “Somebody help this brother,” calling out Lyles’ comments. The NBA crew rallied behind Durant, clearly not vibing with Lyles’ critique. Team USA’s Devin Booker even dropped a facepalm emoji, with other big names from the league showing their support.

Despite the nonstop hate on social media, the Florida native isn’t budging. At the 2024 US Open, when asked if the winners could be called “world champions,” he fired back with, “[Tennis players] are world champions. International players that play against the top in the world constantly.” He’s sticking to his guns, insisting that tennis players, who battle it out on a global stage, genuinely earn that title.

Lyles didn’t just stop at throwing shade at the NBA; he also took a jab at Anthony Edwards, saying he didn’t deserve his shoe deal. In response, Carmelo Anthony let loose on the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, questioning, “Why do you keep shooting at the NBA? If you wanna shoot, shoot at the fact that you ain’t got no league for your own. Shoot at that! Shoot at why they ain’t pouring money into that sport which they should be.” Melo warned, “Don’t keep playing those games ‘cause what’s gonna end up happening is all of these people will start turning on you ‘cause you’re not gonna start making no sense.”

Melo’s response underscores the rising frustration with Lyles’ ongoing criticism and calls out the need to address bigger issues instead of targeting the NBA. What do you think about this situation? Share your thoughts in the comments.