Kanter challenges LeBron to join Knicks, 'prove' he's King of NY

New York Knicks center Enes Kanter has emerged as the unlikeliest of recruiters for LeBron James.

Kanter, who feuded with James at the start of the season, challenged the 33-year-old Cavaliers superstar to sign with the Knicks once he presumably opts out of his current deal and prove his self-proclaimed status as the King of New York.

"People keep debating about who is the king of New York. ... Hey LeBron, yes, you really want to be king of New York? Come and prove it. I'll see you July 1st, brother. Good luck," Kanter said during a Twitter Q-and-A, per ESPN's Ian Begley.

James clashed with Kanter and rookie guard Frank Ntilikina during an antagonistic win at Madison Square Garden in November. He followed the victory by trolling the franchise on Instagram.

Kanter, at the time, was defiant. He called James the "queen" and "princess" of the city and also insisted the Knicks already had a king in Kristaps Porzingis.

Evidently, that tone has since softened.