Projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, AJ Dybantsa may be just days away from beginning his NBA journey, but the BYU standout is already looking forward to one particular matchup.
The 19-year-old recently revealed that he hopes LeBron James remains in the league long enough for them to meet on an NBA court.
NBA Draft Prospect AJ Dybantsa Eager to Face LeBron James
During a recent ESPN interview alongside fellow draft prospects Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson, Dybantsa was asked which NBA player he is most excited to play against.
“Hopefully Bron don’t retire. Playing against Bron will be great. I don’t think none of us get starstruck. Even if we’re playing against him we won’t get starstruck,” Dybantsa said. “But at the end of the day, it’s LeBron. The fact that you’re on the same court with LeBron is crazy.”
AJ Dybantsa: Hopefully Bron don’t retire. Playing against Bron will be great. I don’t think none of us get starstruck…but at the end of the day bro like it’s Lebron. The fact that you’re on the same court with Lebron is great” pic.twitter.com/6irqLBFrvL
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) June 18, 2026
The comment highlights the unique position Dybantsa finds himself in. Like many players of his generation, he grew up watching James establish himself as one of basketball’s all-time greats. In fact, LeBron had already won an NBA championship while Dybantsa was still in pre-school.
While Dybantsa is preparing to enter the NBA, the player he hopes to face is approaching another major career decision. After completing his 23rd season in the league, James is set to become an unrestricted free agent and still has not publicly committed to his plans for the future.
Retirement remains a possibility for the four-time NBA champion, who will turn 42 in December. However, recent reports suggest he is leaning toward signing another short-term deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, potentially extending his career into a record-breaking 24th season in 2026-27.
If that happens, Dybantsa could see his wish come true, sharing the court with the future Hall of Famer. That said, the two already share a small connection. Dybantsa worked out with trainer Chris Johnson alongside James in 2023, and their paths crossed again in December 2025 when the Lakers visited Utah to face the Jazz.
Following that game, James approached the young prospect sitting courtside and shared a brief conversation. Dybantsa later revealed what the NBA superstar told him.
“He’s just saying he’s been watching from a distance. Obviously, I worked out with him like two years ago. So, I’ve been in contact with him a little bit. So, he’s greatness, so I’m just happy to be there,” Dybantsa said on the TNT Sports broadcast.
Dybantsa enters the draft after an impressive freshman season at BYU. He averaged 25.5 points per game, and emerged as the nation’s leading scorer, helping solidify his status as one of the top prospects in the 2026 draft class.
As far as the King is concerned, Dybnatsa’s statement highlights that James’ influence on the next generation of stars remains undeniable. Should James suit up for another season, his on court meeting with Dybantsa could turn into one of NBA’s most anticipated rookie-veteran matchups.
