"Trade Luka Doncic for him" - NBA Fans Amped as AJ Dybantsa Shouts out LeBron James After Viral Courtside Moment with Lakers Star

BYU star AJ Dybantsa received a big hug and a mumbled message from four-time NBA MVP LeBron James on Thursday. Dybantsa got the opportunity to meet James after sitting courtside for the LA Lakers-Utah Jazz showdown. After the game, James walked over to the collegiate star for a moment that went viral.

On Friday, Dybantsa shared a photo of the encounter and gave a shout-out to the Lakers superstar. Fans promptly reacted to the Cougars forward’s post on X:

“Trade Luka (Doncic) for him. im not kidding.”

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Dybantsa was one of the biggest names in high school basketball over the past few years. The limelight shone brighter on the ultra-athletic guard after dazzling opponents in the 2025 FIBA U-19 Basketball World Cup in July.

AJ Dybantsa received offers from UConn, Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina, USC and other top collegiate programs. After playing for Utah Prep Academy in his senior year, he chose to stay in the state, committing to play for the BYU Cougars.

The 6-foot-9 forward has lived up to the hype. He is averaging 22.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Dybantsa is arguably the biggest reason BYU is 11-1 for the season after beating Abilene Christian 85-67 on Friday.

The Lakers have a chance to get AJ Dybantsa in 2026 if they trade Luka Doncic on draft night. Still, LA isn't likely to go that route as the team is building around the Slovenian, who is again a top MVP contender.

Regardless of how Dybantsa's future pans out, LeBron James ensured he met Utah’s most popular rising basketball star on Thursday.

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AJ Dybantsa reveals he’s been “in contact” with LeBron James

After leading the Cougars to a dominant win over the Wildcats on Friday, AJ Dybantsa inevitably answered questions about his LeBron James moment. When asked what the meeting meant to him, the youngster responded:

“(James) said he’s been watching from a distance. I worked out with him, like, two years ago. I’ve been in contact with him a little bit.”

NBA watchers expect AJ Dybantsa to have a one-and-done season with BYU before jumping to the NBA in 2026. Mock drafts unanimously peg him in the top 3 for next year’s draft.

Only time will tell, though, if Dybantsa gets the opportunity to play with LeBron James, who is in his 23rd season. James has been non-committal about his future, making a potential showdown against Dybantsa uncertain.

Edited by Michael Macasero