"Not Even About Basketball”: Projected No. 1 Pick AJ Dybantsa Reveals What He Asked LeBron James

With the 2026 NBA Playoffs rapidly approaching its conclusion, it also means that the 2026 NBA Draft is on the horizon. One of the biggest draws of the draft is BYU Cougars star AJ Dybantsa. After only one year playing in the NCAA, Dybantsa is projected to be the first pick of the upcoming draft.

Apparently, Dybansta once had the opportunity to get advice from another fellow top NBA Draft pick, LeBron James. In a recent episode of 'ALL THE SMOKE,' Dybantsa shared the story of when he got the chance to work out with James in 2023. While this should've been an opportunity for Dybantsa to get basketball tips from the NBA legend, he was, to his surprise, given business advice instead.

"It's 2023, I think I went to go workout with (LeBron James) and Chris Johnson, and I was just picking his brain a little bit after the workout," Dybansta shared. "He was like, not even about basketball, just finding a good business partner. So I kind of took that and ran with it."

Heading into the 2026 NBA Draft, being drafted as the number one pick is what matters most to Dybantsa. The Cougars star noted how he's been ranked first among prospects since he was in the ninth grade. Falling from the ladder is not an option for him.

"It’s very important (to be drafter number one)," Dybantsa said. "I've been number 1 since my first rankings came out. ESPN ranked me number 1 in the 9th grade. I was like 14, and I ain’t drop. So I don’t plan on dropping in the draft."

Looking at his accomplishments in his only NCAA season, he's already a decorated prospect. He was named to the Men's Consensus All-America First Team, Men's AP All-America First Team, Men's NABC All-America First Team, Men's Sporting News All-America First Team, and Men's USBWA All-America First Team.

Dybantsa earned his spot on those teams by averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He also led the men's division in points. Having all that in mind, it already seems like he's a lock at the number spot heading into the draft.

If plans go accordingly for the Cougars star, we're likely to see him in a Washington Wizards uniform next season. That's if no trades take place during or after the draft.

Could LeBron James Play with AJ Dybantsa Next Season?

LeBron James is the biggest free agent this summer. While many believe this year could've been James' last, the King has expressed his interest in suiting up for year 24. The question now is, where?

Despite not extending his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, LA fans still hope to see James wear the colors purple and gold next season. There have also been rumors and speculation that LeBron will make his big return to the Cleveland Cavaliers to finish his career where it all started.

However, there is one destination fans are sleeping on: the Washington Wizards. The idea of James playing in Washington may seem bizarre, but it's not completely out of the question. In previous episodes of Bron's podcast with Steve Nash, 'Mind the Game,' he expressed his interest in seeing how the team has evolved.

Some rumors also suggest that James might be considering a reunion with his former teammate, Anthony Davis. But the biggest speculation why the Wizards could be a potential destination for James is that he wants to win a championship in Washington in his final years, a feat that Michael Jordan couldn't accomplish when he played in DC.

Readers should take this with a grain of salt, though. As of now, all we can do is wait for James's decision regarding his career by late June or early July. But if the Washington deal were to come to fruition, it'll be interesting to see a lineup including James, Davis, Trae Young, and AJ Dybantsa in the mix.