Boston Celtics: Enes Kanter swipes LeBron James about vaccine advocacy

Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter called LeBron James’ recent response to Draymond Green’s vaccine comments–which addressed questions about his then unvaccinated teammate, Andrew Wiggins–and I quote: ‘ridiculous.’

Those are fighting words. Mainly because these two have gone at it before and own no love lost between them.

Kanter has been a vocal proponent of the COVID-19 pandemic’s vaccine panacea. Clearly, he felt the “king” wasn’t doing enough from his throne to fight hesitancy for getting it that may exist in the United States and the international NBA-watching community at large.

The Cs center let the 4X NBA Champion and Finals MVP have it during an appearance on CNN Newsroom (transcript via CBS Sports’ Jack Maloney):

"Obviously, LeBron James, he’s one of the faces of the league, and he should be the first one to go out there and say, ‘Listen, everyone. I got the vaccine, and I’m encouraging everyone, my community, everyone, basketball fans, non-basketball fans and sports fans are just going out there and get this vaccine, so we can save other lives.’ When I heard that, I just couldn’t believe it. But I hope he can educate himself about this vaccination and inspire and encourage other people around him.”"

‘Educate himself?’ Oh boy…

In 2017, Kanter and James came chest to chest after James got in the face of New York Knicks rookie Frank Ntilikina during a matchup at MSG with the Cleveland Cavaliers in town.

Kanter elicited a response from James then. Now, the two are on historical rivals that both own 17 banners in the rafters.

Is it possible we see some fireworks in the press ahead of the 2021-22 season? Furthermore, how about the two teams’ early-season matchups November 19th at the TD Garden and December 7th at the Staples Center?

Get your popcorn ready, Boston Celtics. Two of the most loudest and outspoken players in the league could be about to joust across multiple mediums.