A young girl received the surprise of her life when she realized LeBron James was sat next to her courtside at the LA Lakers-Golden State Warriors game.

The injured Lakers star still made the short trip to San Francisco watching the Lakers win and pulled up next to 12-year-old Gaia and her brother, Liam.

Gaia was visibly, and hilariously, shocked and the moment has since swept across social media.

ESPN sideline reporter Lisa Salters made her way courtside and interviewed Gaia and asked about the experience of sitting next to The King.

Amusingly, James was sat there as the question and answer took place.

A 12-year-old girl was staggered when LeBron James pulled up next to her courtside Saturday

‘I asked for these tickets over three months ago because I was so excited,’ she said.

‘I was really hoping LeBron would break the record at this game and when he broke it, I was like, “Congratulations,” she said.

‘When he ended up sitting down here, I’m not as tall as him obviously so I could only see his shoes.

‘And then I look up, I see LeBron James and what’s going through my mind is, “Oh my God, the greatest player of all-time in basketball is sitting next to me.”‘

‘I just freaked out completely. I’m just thinking “oh my goodness this is the best moment of my life.”‘

She revealed the pair had not spoken after she had been instructed to not distract players.

Without James, who hasn’t played since breaking the NBA’s all-time scoring record due to an ankle injury, LA scored a key victory over Western Conference rivals, Golden State, 109-103.

James has not played in the LA Lakers’ previous two games, troubled by an ankle injury

James gave a hug to Draymond Green of the Warriors (C) following the Lakers victory