Southern California freshman Bronny James, the son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, was hospitalized after a cardiac event during a workout Monday.
James was working out at the Galen Center, USC’s home arena, when an emergency call was made Monday morning.
The family says the younger James is in stable condition and no longer in the intensive care unit.
“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,” a James family spokesman told USA TODAY Sports in a statement. “We ask for respect and privacy for the James family and we will update media when there is more information. LeBron and Savannah wish to publicly send their deepest thanks and appreciation to the USC medical and athletic staff for their incredible work and dedication to the safety of their athletes.”
The 18-year-old four-star recruit committed to the Trojans in May after averaging 14 points, five rebounds and three assists in his senior campaign at Sierra Canyon (Los Angeles) School last season. He possesses many of the unselfish skills as his dad.
Damar Hamlin shows support for Bronny James
Damar Hamlin, whose on-the-football-field cardiac arrest captured the attention of the country earlier this year, took to social media Tuesday to express his support for Bronny James and offer his assistance to the James family.
Bronny James’ commitment to Southern Cal
Bronny James announced his commitment to USC on May 6. LeBron James called it one of the best days of his life and discussed it after the Lakers’ victory against the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of their playoff series.
“First of all congratulations to my son on his next journey and picking a great university,” James said in a postgame press conference. “I’m proud of him. This is an incredible thing. Unless it was one of my great-grandmothers or great-grandfathers or someone way before my time, to my knowledge this is the first one out of the James Gang to go to college.
LeBron James’ desire to play in the NBA with son, Bronny James
LeBron James will be entering his 21st season in the NBA and has previously said he would like to play with his son in the league. Depending on how long Bronny James stays in college and has NBA aspirations, that could be a possibility.
“I was serious, and I’m still serious about it,” James said. “Just because it’s my aspiration, it doesn’t mean it’s his. It’s not what you want. It’s about listening to your kids and what they want.”
Bronny James at the ESPYs
Bronny recently appeared at the ESPYs with his mother, Savannah, younger brother, Bryce, and younger sister, Zhuri to honor LeBron James for breaking the NBA’s all-time scoring record.
“I’m so proud of these two men standing right behind me tonight,” LeBron James said. “You see, they’re on their own basketball journey. And no matter how far they choose to go, they’re not cheating this game and that inspires me.”
Bronny James’ NBA prospects
Bronny James finished his season as the No. 20 player in ESPN’s Top 100 rankings for the class of 2023 and is a projected first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. LeBron James has often said that he wants to play in the NBA with his son.
James is a 6-3 combo guard, who can handle the ball and set teammates up for easy baskets. That’s part of the reason he is on many 2024 NBA mock drafts. If he is cleared to play this season, an improved jump shot would go a long way toward helping his lottery-pick chances.
James has already shown the defensive mindset to disrupt opposing players and the more he matures on the offensive end will be a considered asset to any team, especially if he ends up falling on the draft board.
