USC Freshman Bronny James in Stable Condition After Cardiac Arrest Incident
Los Angeles, CA – USC freshman Bronny James, the son of Lakers star LeBron James, is in stable condition after suffering a cardiac arrest while practicing on Monday, according to a statement from a James family spokesperson. The news was first reported by TMZ.
The 18-year-old basketball player collapsed during practice and was immediately taken to the hospital, where medical staff successfully treated him. He is no longer in the intensive care unit and is now in stable condition. The James family spokesperson requested respect and privacy for the family during this time.
The spokesperson also expressed gratitude towards the USC medical and athletic staff for their dedicated work and commitment to the safety of their athletes. LeBron James and his wife Savannah publicly thanked the USC staff for their incredible efforts in a statement.
Bronny James, a McDonald’s All-American and the No. 21 player in the 2023 class, committed to USC in May. He chose the Trojans over Ohio State, Oregon, G-League Ignite, and Overtime Elite. His commitment marked a significant moment for the James family, as he will be the first member to attend college.
LeBron James, during a celebration of a Lakers’ playoff win, called the day his son committed to USC “one of the best days of (his) life.” The announcement of Bronny James’ cardiac arrest incident comes just after USC’s 2022-23 season, in which the Trojans finished 22-11 and were eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Support and well wishes poured in for the James family, including a message from Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who endured a similar experience during a football game in January. Hamlin expressed his prayers and support for the James family on social media.
Monday’s incident is reminiscent of a similar situation involving USC’s Vince Iwuchukwu last year, who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during an informal practice. Iwuchukwu spent six months sidelined before returning to the court. The USC training staff members who provided lifesaving assistance to Iwuchukwu were honored with the California Athletic Trainers’ Association’s Lifesaver Award earlier this year.
In a separate incident in 2020, former Florida basketball forward Keyontae Johnson collapsed during a game and was later diagnosed with “athlete’s heart.” He missed two seasons and eventually returned to basketball after transferring to Kansas State.
Cardiac arrest is a severe medical emergency that occurs when the heart ceases to pump blood. It can cause organ damage due to the lack of blood flow. Further updates on Bronny James’ condition will be provided as information becomes available.
(Photo: Alex Bierens de Haan / Getty Images)