It may not be on the same pedestal of Magic vs. Larry, Wilt vs. Bill, or even Shaq vs. Kobe. But the rivalry between LeBron James and Enes Kanter is one that has gained some traction over the years.
But, with James taking his talents this time to the Western Conference with the Lakers, Kanter won't be seeing his newfound rival that often.
Though the Turkish big man will be sure to troll James on Twitter (as he does with the rest of the NBA), he will need to find a new arch nemesis out of the East. That enemy will need to possess James' confidence, star status, and most importantly, not back down from any trash talk -- both on and off the court.
So here are a few candidates that fit the bill...
Sixers C Joel Embiid
He's a big man, a Twitter trolling genius, and plays in a rival city. These two are the perfect match for competitive play on the court, and trash talking off it.
Embiid knows he is arguably the best center out of the East, and that confidence is seen in his no-nonsense style of play that includes everything from corner threes to rim-shaking dunks. The All-Star is also recognized to have a Twitter game that rivals the clever Kanter. I mean, there aren't many that are brave enough to shoot their shot with Rihanna.
The New York-Philly rivalry is enough to have these two pitted against each other. But with both players playing the same position and sporting the same social media prowess off the court, it's that much better.
All Kanter needs to do is sending one suggestive tweet Embiid's way and watch the sparks fly all season long.
Bucks SF/PG Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo is the heart and soul of the small-market Bucks, and for a good reason: He's a coach's nightmare.
How do you guard against a man of his size, athletic ability, and skill? The simple answer is you don't and hope he makes his own mistakes. And if you're Enes Kanter, trying to get under his skin is a way to make that happen.
And this rivalry could be viewed as personal, too. Remember, Kristaps Porzingis landed on Antetokounmpo the dreadful night he tore his ACL back in February. You can always count on Kanter to stand up for his teammates.
Antetokounmpo wouldn't likely be matched up with Kanter one-on-one given he normally plays the backcourt. However, they are bound to meet at the rim with the All-Star's style of play.
Celtics PG Kyrie Irving
The rivalry between the Celtics and Knicks is a staple in the NBA, so why not pick their best player as your arch nemesis?
Irving is definitely more calm and collected than Kanter, but he is a fierce competitor on the court. A perennial All-Star, the Knicks could have the chance to land Irving in free agency if he decides to go back on his word of wanting to stay in Boston long term.
I know what you're thinking: Why make an enemy of a potential teammate down the road? Irving could come to respect Kanter's chirping and gritty play in their matchups, adding another reason to join New York next season. And if he decides to stay in Boston, Kanter will have his new nemesis.
Either way, it's a win-win for the big guy.
Cavaliers C Tristan Thompson
Much like Kanter, Thompson may not be the most skilled player on his team, but he is certainly an enforcer in the paint. And that has gotten him into more than a few scuffles during his career (just look him and Draymond Green up).
Kanter's trash talk would certainly make things interesting when the Cavs come to town, and we could even see him physical altercations too. While we obviously want Kanter to stay healthy in the process, it's always a crowd pleaser when some tempers flare up.
And with James off the Cavs, Thompson is likely to see a drop off in his team's play this season. I can already see Kanter using that for some jabs on the court…
Timberwolves SG Jimmy Butler
I know, I know the Wolves play in the West. But Butler could be on the move, and what better way to welcome him back to the East than with a new budding rivalry?
Butler has made it clear that he a no-nonsense player that will speak his mind to his teammates, coaches and front office executives let alone opponents. Well, that is music to Kanter's ears.
Rumors said Butler could be joining the Heat, and they were close to a deal before it eventually fell apart. If the All-Star does find his way back to the East, look for Kanter to make his move on a player he knows will talk right back.