Top draft prospect Dybansa: Hopes LeBron doesn't retire yet, playing against him would be absolutely insane

On June 19th Beijing time, less than a week before the 2026 NBA Draft officially kicks off, AJ Dybansa is already thrilled about the prospect of playing on the same court as LeBron James.

Dybansa joined two other widely recognized top-three prospects, Darren Peterson and Cameron Boozer, on an ESPN program, where he stated bluntly that he really wants to face the Lakers superstar in an NBA game.

"I hope LeBron doesn't retire yet," said Dybansa. "Playing against LeBron would be absolutely crazy. I think we won't just fanboy over him—even if we're on the same court, we won't get stage fright. But honestly, man, that's LeBron. Just being on the same floor as LeBron is incredible enough."

LeBron represents the current peak of the league, while Dybansa is the future rising star of the NBA. Their matchup could also symbolize a passing of the torch in the league.

Everyone is speculating about LeBron's next career move, but all signs indicate that he will continue playing and aim for the 2026-27 season, launching his record-breaking 24th NBA campaign.

He currently has a $52.6 million contract set to expire, making him an unrestricted free agent. Earlier reports indicated that both sides are negotiating an extension, and most observers expect him to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron is still performing at an elite level, and soon he could be competing on the court with Dybansa, who is only 19 years old. This fully demonstrates his incredible career longevity and highlights the huge age gap between them. In 2012, when the four-time MVP won his first championship with the Miami Heat, Dybansa was still in kindergarten.

An even clearer indication of LeBron's vast career span is that next season he will also face Cameron Boozer—the son of Carlos Boozer, LeBron's former teammate during his Cavaliers days. When LeBron was just starting his rookie career in Cleveland, Carlos was playing alongside him.

For Dybansa and all the rookies in this draft class, the opportunity to face LeBron next season is both exhilarating and thought-provoking.