LeBron James and the Knicks have had a tense relationship ever since the four-time MVP publicly criticised their decision to pass up on drafting Dennis Smith Jr last summer. GM Scott Perry passed on the dynamic guard, who has enjoyed a fruitful rookie year with the Mavericks, and selected lesser known PG Frank Ntilikina out of France with the eighth pick in 2017 draft. James, clearly a Smith Jr fan, came out in November and made his feelings clear on the decision. Here's a reminder of what he said...

His comments clearly rubbed the organisation, and Ntilikina, the wrong way and led to a fiery matchup with James' Cavs squad later that month.

Ntilikina hasn't exactly set the world alight in his rookie season, starting just seven games and averaging a shade over five points and three assists per contest. But, that hasn't stopped James from changing his stance on the 19-year-old. 

Ahead of back-to-back against New York, James heaped praise on the young guard:

"I think he knows how to play the game. That's the best thing, first of all. Very cerebral basketball player." James said per ESPN's Ian Begley.

He added:  "I think, defensively, he's more advanced than offensively. But I think offensively, he's gotten better as he's gotten more opportunity and played more games.... I think every game, more and more, he gets the opportunity to play, more and more, he gets comfortable with the NBA game, his offensive game is getting better. Defensively he's been good since he probably stepped on a basketball floor defensively so, it's good for him."

Some high praise for the rook from the King!

James also addressed the erection of the latest billboard attempting to recruit him this summer, which just happened to be opposite Madison Square Garden, NYC. 

“Same reaction that I’ve had for every last one of them this year,” the 14-time All Star said. “I think it’s very humbling that cities and organizations want me to play for them especially at this juncture of my career. So, that's it.".

The billboard in New York follows others nationwide, including one in Philadelphia and Portland. 

Clearly James has yet to decide where he will play his basketball in the 2018-19 season, but he seems to like the love he's getting from fanbases across the league. 

Listen HERE to the first episode of the new GiveMeSport NBA podcast, featuring former Cleveland Cavaliers General Manager David Griffin.

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