LeBron James meetup with Jayden Daniels has fans speculating he’s going to Wizards

As Lebron James walked out of the Lakers locker room and down the tunnel at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday night, he ran into a familiar face, but not one from the world of basketball. 

Jayden Daniels — the Washington Commanders’ electric young quarterback and 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year — stood waiting to meetup with the King outside of the locker room. The Southern California native, Cajon High’s finest export, looked like he had met with his idol before and the two friends were saying hello again after a long layover. 

LeBron didn’t hesitate when he saw him. He beelined for Daniels and wrapped him in a hug that felt genuine, not staged.

The California Post captured the moment on video. It’s everywhere now.

LeBron James greets Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels after their loss to the Celtics. pic.twitter.com/rHJXytqV3z

— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) February 23, 2026

After the embrace, Daniels asked if LeBron would snap a photo with his friend. “Whose phone?” the friend asked nervously.

“Whoever got the best phone,” LeBron shot back with a grin.

As they posed, Daniels’ friend shouted, “Take 20!” — a line every iPhone user understands on a spiritual level.

The internet, of course, did what it does. Some fans jokingly speculated the impending free agent might take his talents to Washington to reunite with Anthony Davis now that the Wizards could be building a contender after also trading for Trae Young. 

This showed me everything I need to know. Welcome to DC Bron pic.twitter.com/lVCixIZH2O

— Bo (@bgodthetruth) February 24, 2026

https://t.co/CBcvCFnJeppic.twitter.com/3lO5ulFABr

— kemba (@DeetoDC) February 23, 2026

Bron is coming to DC next year man https://t.co/uqmxpGdGJc

— (@Charmin_harmon1) February 24, 2026

jayden recruiting LBJ DC https://t.co/dZrNnIv2SQ

— Locked On Wizards (@lockedonwizards) February 23, 2026

One Wizards fan even imagined what the staring five would look like next season.

Trae
DP
LBJ
Sarr
AD

— Sink Or Swim feat. Rick Ross Out Now!! (@thelifeoflewcid) February 23, 2026

Others, protective of Daniels after an injury-marred 2025 season, were less charitable. “Get him away from Jayden!” one wrote. 

Get him away from Jayden! Don’t want Jayden ruined!

— Robert Woods (@rawoods24) February 23, 2026

Another called LeBron the “world’s greatest flop artist.” 

Why does Jayden associate himself with the world’s greatest flop artist.
LeBron has ZERO integrity and his constant embellishment and faking injuries have tainted the NBA forever.

— PhillyCraft (@Philly_Craft) February 23, 2026

One simply declared: “Aura almost blew my phone out of my hands.”

Aura almost blew my phone out my hands https://t.co/Xgaqr0uDtS

— David (@CoachDavid_) February 23, 2026

But mostly users loved the meetup and acknowledged it was two great players saying hello.

Two goats https://t.co/w2X0knW5bm

— brady (@burgermanders) February 23, 2026

And that’s the biggest takeaway from this video. That greatness recognizes greatness. A 41-year-old icon meeting a 24-year-old rising star. No tampering. No conspiracy. Just respect between two athletes playing at the highest level.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters