Noah Lyles can't escape the limelight.
The Olympic sprinter continued his controversial timeline with his latest comment about three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. Lyles, 27, made his remarks on the "Nightcap" podcast with Shannon Sharpe and Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson.
Lyles caused a rift between himself and the NBA in 2023 when he said the NBA champions shouldn't call themselves "world champions."
"You know the thing that hurts me the most is that I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have 'world champion' on their head," Lyles said. "World champion of what? The United States? Don't get me wrong, I love the U.S. at times, but that ain't the world."
The Team USA star, who won gold in the 100m dash at the 2024 Paris Games, was discussing his NBA beef with Sharpe and Johnson when the two former NFL standouts asked about Jokic. Here's what Lyles had to say about the three-time MVP.
MORE: Why Josh Hart wanted Noah Lyles to lose at the 2024 Olympics
What did Noah Lyles say about Nikola Jokic?
In the midst of discussing Lyles' NBA takes, Sharpe asked the Olympic gold medalist if he believes Jokic is the best basketball player in the world. But Lyles wasn't familiar with Jokic.
"I'm going to be honest, I don’t know who that is," Lyles said.
Shannon Sharpe: “Is Nikola Jokic one of the best players in the world?”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 18, 2024
Noah Lyles: “Imma be honest, I don’t know who that is.” 👀
(via @NightcapShow_)pic.twitter.com/Op3RVfczGP
Given the stir Lyles has caused with his past NBA criticism, the quote seems to be another jab at the three-time MVP. He's also started beef with NBA star Anthony Edwards, NFL star Tyreek Hill and even Canada's 4x100 relay team.
This time, though, Lyles genuinely didn't seem to know who Jokic was. Yet even if Lyles didn't intend to start beef with Jokic, NBA fans are already annoyed at the track star.
Given his track record with NBA players, fans are more likely to believe Lyles is trolling again.
Jokic is better at his sport than Lyles ever will be at his. This guy is so unbearable.
— Christian (@nuggetsfan1501) August 18, 2024
He doesnt know who the guy is that was supposedly wearing the "world champions" hat he had such a big problem with? https://t.co/GhXAOYO0XQ