Bronny James, the son of NBA star LeBron James, suffered a cardiac arrest during basketball practice at the University of Southern California (USC) and was hospitalized on Monday, according to a statement from a family spokesperson. The 18-year-old athlete is now in stable condition and out of the intensive care unit.
The statement released by the family spokesperson said, “Yesterday while practicing Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest. Medical staff was able to treat Bronny and take him to the hospital. He is now in stable condition and no longer in ICU.” The family is requesting privacy and promised to update the media when there is more information.
The USC medical and athletic staff has been praised by LeBron and Savannah, who publicly expressed their deepest thanks and appreciation for their incredible work and dedication to the safety of their athletes.
Bronny James, a talented 6-foot-3 combo guard, recently graduated from Sierra Canyon High School in Los Angeles and is an incoming freshman for USC’s basketball team. He was rated as a four-star recruit and impressed in the McDonald’s All-American Game in March, which featured some of the country’s top high school basketball players.
Bronny’s father, LeBron James, expressed his pride and excitement for his son’s journey on Instagram after Bronny committed to attending USC.
Cardiac arrest is a serious condition that occurs when electrical disturbances cause the heart to suddenly stop beating. Immediate treatment, such as CPR and shocks from a defibrillator, can reverse the condition. According to the American Heart Association, cardiac arrest can be fatal if not treated promptly.
This is not the first time that USC’s medical staff has dealt with such an incident. Last July, USC freshman forward Vince Iwuchukwu also suffered a cardiac arrest during a summer workout. Thanks to the quick response and efforts of the athletic trainers, Iwuchukwu was revived and eventually made his basketball debut after recovering.
LeBron James has previously expressed his desire to play in the NBA alongside his son. He mentioned in an interview with The Athletic in 2022, “My last year will be played with my son. Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point.”
As Bronny continues his recovery, support and well wishes have poured in from fans and fellow athletes. Damar Hamlin of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, who himself experienced a cardiac arrest during a game, sent his prayers to Bronny and the James family on Twitter.
Cardiac health is crucial for athletes, and incidents like these serve as stark reminders of the importance of medical staff and emergency preparedness in sports programs. USC’s medical team has shown their dedication and ability to respond in such situations, ensuring the health and well-being of their athletes.
As Bronny James continues his basketball journey at USC, his family and fans hope for his full recovery and success both on and off the court.