Noah Lyles: Sha'Carri Richardson and other top athletics stars show support amid 'World Champions' NBA shade

Triple gold medallist at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Noah Lyles has been the topic of discussion in the United States and worldwide for his shade at the NBA being called 'World Champions'.

Lyles, in one of his press conferences after his incredible performances in Budapest, where he won the 100m and 200m gold medals and anchored Team USA to the 4x100m gold medal (the first three-peat by any male sprinter since Usain Bolt in 2007), spoke about why the National Basketball Association (NBA) players shouldn't call themselves World Champions.

"You know what hurts me the most is that I have to watch the NBA Finals, and they have ‘world champion’ on their head. World champion of what? The United States?" asked Lyles.

"Don't get me wrong, I love the U.S., at times but that ain't the world. That is not the world. We are the world.

"We have almost every country out here fighting, thriving, putting on their flag to show that they are represented. There ain't no flags in the NBA."

This statement got many NBA players such as Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Draymond Green, and fans riled up on ESPN's post and many calling him 'ignorant'.

Durant in the comments said, "Somebody help this brother while his Phoenix Suns teammate Devin Booker left a face-palm emoji.

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green added, "When being smart goes wrong."

Some track and field stars such as Sha'Carri Richardson and former decathlon World Record holder Ashton Eaton, have and are showing their support to Lyles, declaring that he's right in his statement.

Richardson is one of the most popular sports personalities in the US and was one of the outstanding performers in Budapest.

The talented speedster won the women's 100m world title in a Championship Record (CR) of 10.65s, secured a 200m bronze medal, and anchored Team USA to the 4x100m gold medal, also in a CR of 41.03s.

"I’m standing with Noah on this one...the organization have players from different countries but do they compete against different countries? You have to go against the world in order to be a world champion!!" tweeted Richardson.

Eaton, who won several World and Olympic titles for the USA has called for the rebrand of all US leagues.

Former world champion Fred Kerley whom Lyles dethroned for the 100m title in Budapest, also weighed in explaining the meaning of NBA for those who do not understand.

And here are more reactions from athletics faithfuls.

Lyles's view on the 'world champions' statement are valid and he shouldn't be backlashed for it.