Noah Lyles adds another chapter to NBA beef with Nikola Jokic slight: ‘I don’t know who that is’

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.

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.

Given the stir Lyles has caused with h

Shannon Sharpe: “Is Nikola Jokic one of the best players in the world?”

Noah Lyles: “Imma be honest, I don’t know who that is.” 👀

(via @NightcapShow_)pic.twitter.com/Op3RVfczGP

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 18, 2024

is 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 4×100 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.

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

— Christian (@nuggetsfan1501) August 18, 2024