LeBron James’ Son, Bronny James, Nears His College Debut With USC Trojans After Suffering Cardiac Arrest

On Thursday, player Bronny James returned to full-contact basketball practice for the first time since his cardiac arrest in July.

Son of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, James’ participation in the full-contact basketball practice marks his return to the court and signifies a big step forward for Bronny, 19, as he nears his college debut with the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans.

Last week, he received clearance from his doctors, an approval the Trojans had eagerly awaited from the medical staff.

Guard Kobe Johnson shared his excitement about Bronny’s return.

“He looked good, he looked a hundred percent,” he told reporters. “Just being able to have him back out on the floor, it definitely raises the team morale. It was awesome to have him out there.”

The Trojans currently hold a 5-3 record and are set to host Long Beach State in their next game on Sunday.

USC Coach Andy Enfield stated that James would likely come off the bench and have a minutes restriction for his debut.

Regardless of the Lakers’ schedule, LeBron has expressed his intention to attend his son’s first college game. Fortunately, the Lakers have no games scheduled on Sunday.

In recent weeks, Bronny has been engaged in individual workouts, which include cardio exercises, weight training, and shooting practice. He has been a supportive presence on the Trojans’ bench at games since the start of the season.

Earlier this year, Bronny was diagnosed with a treatable congenital heart defect. In July, he suffered cardiac arrest while in a workout at the Galen Center. Before his health scare, he had played five-on-five with his future teammates in the summer.

The Trojans have faced a turbulent start to the season, marked by injuries to multiple players. After a close two-point loss to Oklahoma and a defeat against then-No. 11 Gonzaga with a score of 89-76, they dropped out of the AP Top 25 poll.

Johnson emphasized the impact James would have on the team, particularly on the defensive end. He stated, “He brings that energy. Just having his presence around… He’s a great defender. A lot of people don’t know that about him, so to have him out there on the defensive end is going to be chaotic.”

Bronny, a McDonald’s All-American like his father, played for Sierra Canyon School in the Chatsworth area of Los Angeles. He chose to stay close to home and opted for USC as his college destination. With his return to full-contact practice, he is now poised to take the next step toward his aspirations of a professional career.

“When that moment comes,” Johnson said, “it’s going to be very special.”