The American sprinter became the first person since Usain Bolt in 2015 to capture the 100-meter and 200-meter world titles at the World Athletics Championships.
He continued, "We are the world," alluding to the competitors in the World Athletics Championships.
"Almost every nation is present, participating in the battle, and flying its flag to demonstrate its representation. The NBA doesn't have any flags.
Lyles, who is never afraid to speak in front of the camera, seemed to be making the comments in jest as he laughed and smiled with the reporters during his response. However, he did cause some NBA stars to retaliate.
Leading the assault was Kevin Durant, who has twice been crowned NBA Finals MVP in his storied career.
In response to an ESPN post, he said on Instagram, "Somebody help this brother."
Also participating was four-time NBA champion Draymond Green, who posted on Instagram with the hashtag "When being smart goes wrong" and a face-palm emoji.
Aaron Gordon, a standout for the Denver Nuggets, though, seemed to find the humor in the situation. In the 200m, I'm puffing with a teammate.
The NBA only features US and Canadian teams, yet the bulk of the world's top athletes compete there.
Numerous of its most prominent athletes are foreign-born, including two-time NBA MVP Nikola Joki from Serbia and world-renowned Giannis Antetokounmpo from Greece.
Sha'Carri Richardson, a fellow American sprinter and the 100-meter women's winner, chimed in on the discussion and defended Lyles.
She stated on social media, "I'm with Noah on this one.
Although the NBA contains players from several nations, they do not compete against other nations. In order to become a global champion, you must compete against the entire world.
Lyles and Richardson might not be there courtside for an NBA game any time soon.