Knicks Star Josh Hart Made His Opinion of Noah Lyles Extremely Clear

Noah Lyles became the target of some serious backlash from the NBA world after he made some controversial comments about the league last year. The American sprinter criticized the NBA for calling its league winner the "world champion."

"World champion of what? The United States?" Lyles famously asked during a press conference in 2023.

These comments caught the attention of NBA fans and players alike — including New York Knicks star Josh Hart.

Before Lyles participated in the 100m dash final on Sunday, Hart took to social media to make his stance on Lyles very clear.

"I’m a hater just so yall know," Hart wrote on X.

But after Lyles claimed the gold medal with a photo finish victory over Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson, Hart changed his tuned a bit.

"Respect," the Knicks guard wrote.

Lyles will participate in 200m qualifying on Monday. While some NBA fans still might be rooting against the American Olympian, Hart believes he's done more than enough to back up the talk.

"Lol na he an Olympic gold medalist. He can talk for life," Hart added.

The United States men's basketball team will face off against Brazil in its first elimination matchup on Tuesday.

Related: Joel Embiid's Reaction to Noah Lyles' 100m Victory is Turning Heads