Giannis backs Lyles – ‘You’re not a world champion when you win a US title’

The first and only athlete living and competing in the USA to endorse him Noah Lyles became the John Antetokounmpo. The Greek ace and one of the best players in the NBA took a stand and did not hesitate to point out in his turn that the logic that prevails in the USA is not correct that an athlete or team wins a title then also carries the title of World Champion .

“I would like to support him so much, you know. He received so much criticism and harsh criticism because he simply stated the obvious“, he initially stated and continued:

“I don’t think in any other sport in Europe they call you world champion. You know, like in football, which is way bigger than the NBA, more popular than the NBA. When the Champions League, the UEFA Champions League, you know, champions… they don’t say world champion, you know. When they win the World Cup, they play against Team USA, they play teams all over the world, you know, countries all over the world, and then they say they’re world champions.”he said and continued:

“Yes the NBA is the best league in the world and the talent in the NBA is the best you will ever see in your life. It’s not even close… You know, I’m not saying there’s any other teams out there that can beat the Denver Nuggets, for example. I’m not saying that. But you have to respect, you know, these teams and say yes… I’m the NBA champion, I’m the VTB champion, I’m the EuroLeague champion, I’m the Greek champion, I’m the Spanish champion, I’m the French league champion,” concluded the Greek ace.

We remind that the Lyles after winning the gold medal in 2023 World Athletics Championships last month he questioned why and if it is right that the winners of the US championships are considered world champions. A statement that obviously brought a lot of reactions.