In the last episode of his ongoing quarrel with the NBA, the American Sprinter Noah Lyles made waves once again, this time with a surprising – and some would say – disrespectful admission towards Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.
During an appearance on the Nightcap Show, Shannon Sharpe asked Lyles if Denver Nuggets superstar and three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic was one of the best players in the world. Lyles’ response? “I’ll be honest, I don’t know who that is.”
The comment quickly went viral, with many sports fans and commentators interpreting it as another example of Lyles’ apparent disdain for the NBA. For a professional athlete, especially one who represents the United States on the international stage, to pretend to ignore Jokic, a player widely regarded as one of the best in the world, struck many as not only surprising but also disrespectful.
Lyles was involved In a controversy with the NBA since his comments at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, where he criticized the practice of calling NBA champions “world champions,” his assertion that NBA teams only compete against other American teams (with the exception of one Canadian team) sparked a wave of backlash from NBA players and fans.
Now, with this latest comment about Jokic, some are wondering if Lyles’ animosity toward the NBA runs deeper than previously thought.
It’s hard to believe that a professional athlete like Lyles, who is immersed in the world of sports, could truly ignore the exploits of Nikola Jokic.
Jokic isn’t just a star; he’s a three-time NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP, having led the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever title in 2023. His dominance on the court, combined with his humble personality off the court, has made him a global icon, particularly in the basketball world. Lyles’ claim of ignorance is seen by many as a poorly executed attempt at trolling or a deliberate insult to the NBA.
Fan Reaction: Is Lyles Trolling Jokic and the Nuggets?
The fan reaction was swift and fierce, with many seeing Lyles’ comment as little more than “rage bait” – a deliberate attempt to provoke and stoke controversy.
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One Twitter user, @icecoldfootball, pointed out: “He’s about to troll,” suggesting that Lyles is fully aware of what he’s doing and is simply trying to keep the spotlight on himself.
Others, however, are less amused. @DrewThomas1985 tweeted, “Stop giving this jerk airtime,” reflecting the sentiment of many who believe Lyles is simply seeking attention at the expense of serious sports discourse.
Another user, @SSDTVNETWORK, called on everyone to “start ignoring people like Noah,” indicating that this latest incident may have been the straw that broke the camel’s back for some fans.
This isn’t the first time Lyles has been accused of disrespecting the NBA, and if his recent comments are any indication, it likely won’t be the last. His dismissive attitude toward one of the world’s biggest sports leagues and its players, especially a global superstar like Jokic, has left many questioning his motives.
