“Noah Lyles just murdered all of NBA Twitter,” is what echoed among his fans after he clinched the 100m Olympic title this week. With his 9.79 seconds victory, Lyles just earned the bragging rights, didn’t he? Especially as his last year’s comments about the NBA had ruffled the feathers of many in the basketball community. This time, his supporters did not waste a second after Lyles defended his claims through action.

Lyles’ comment, “World Champion of what? The United States?” for the NBA had garnered reactions from many notable veterans. Including Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and ESPN media personality Stephen A. Smith, who had taken it a bit too far. “Lyles just came across as flagrantly ignorant,” he said. But he later apologized, the flashback of which has now resurfaced as Lyles wins the Olympic title.

In a YouTube video, Stephen Smith apologized to Lyles for his harsh words. Smith mentions how his friend Boris Kodjoe walks him through the facts. He points out that Los Angeles is a city in the USA and has a team called the Lakers, but it isn’t a country. Thus, they couldn’t possibly compete in or win a world championship. Smith also cites that the NBA is an American sports league. Just because teams compete in the best leagues in the world, that doesn’t make them world champions. He cites the Premier League in England as arguably the best soccer league, but no one would call Manchester United a world champion.

Appearing on the Track World News podcast, Lyles said, “I respect that he came and apologized, to be honest.” Plus, being a seasoned commentator, Lyles thought, “It takes a lot, it takes a big man to be able to do that on national TV.” But as Noah Lyles wins the title, how have the reactions been on the NBA side? Well, it has been a mixed bag.

Has Noah Lyles’ Olympic title got NBA community coming around?

“Say Something!” Noah Lyles’s words reverberated like a roar as he called upon his naysayers to comment something after he won the 100m finals at the Stade de France. How has the NBA backlash been ever since? Well, all is not forgiven, but there is a start.

Lakers’ veteran Magic Johnson commented, “We’re all on the yacht cheering for Noah Lyles after winning the Men’s 100M race and remaining the fastest man in the world! It’s the first time in 20 years that the US brings home the gold in the Men’s 100! Wow- what an exciting race!! @LylesNoah” Well, he wasn’t alone, as Dwayne Wade also added, “HE’S HIM!”

Also, Draymond Green took to X to put up a note. He wrote, “Noah Lyles 2 Golds and Bronze. Delivered!” However, this was surprisingly incorrect. Lyles just won 1 gold in the 100m and a bronze in the 200m before he got diagnosed with COVID and bowed out of the meet.

But there are a few who continue to be riled. Devin Booker had previously added a ‘facepalm’ emoji. And now, it seems he still stands by it. He recently said, “I still don’t agree with the comment. I feel like all the best talent in the world is in the NBA. And that’s coming from an Olympic gold medalist who believes that being an NBA champion was probably harder to do.” However, a little part of him also understood Lyles. He even added, “The statement was said. I think how it was said – you know, it was just out of context…”

Even DeMarcus Cousins voiced his opinion recently, on August 6. In the podcast Above the Rim with DH, he said, “It makes sense, makes sense. It’s understandable, I can disagree with him.” He further added that one of the reasons he does not believe this is because NBA houses the best talent from all over the world. He said, “Especially, the top part. Like top heavy the lead of the league.” What do you think about the NBA’s reactions to Noah Lyles’ victory? Let us know below.