BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, a leading candidate to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, shared a courtside moment with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James after the Lakers faced the Utah Jazz on Dec. 18, 2025, at Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
Following Los Angeles’ victory, cameras captured Dybantsa and the 23-year veteran shaking hands near midcourt. The meeting was later highlighted on social platform X by both BYU Men’s Basketball and Dybantsa himself.
Speaking after BYU’s win over Abilene Christian University, the 6-foot-8 prospect described James’ greeting. “He said he’s been watching from a distance,” Dybantsa told TNT Sports, adding that he worked out with the four-time NBA champion two years earlier. “It’s greatness, so I’m just happy to meet him.”
Dybantsa tops a 2026 draft class that also features Kansas guard Darry Peterson and Duke forward Cam Boozer. Scouts praise the BYU standout for his length, athleticism and scoring versatility—traits teams covet in a modern primary option.
James, the NBA’s oldest active player at 40, finished the night healthy after briefly clutching his knee when he absorbed contact from Jazz guard Walter Clayton Jr. The forward later said he felt he had “dodged a bullet.”
Los Angeles remains in the Western Conference playoff mix, while NBA front offices keep close tabs on Dybantsa as he continues his freshman campaign in Provo.
Source: LakersNation
