Wave Wire Services
LOS ANGELES — Bronny James, the oldest son of Lakers star LeBron James, continued to recover at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after suffering cardiac arrest during a practice at the Galen Center July 24.
The younger James, 18, an incoming freshman on the USC basketball team, collapsed during practice and was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where he was initially placed into ICU care. But he was reported in stable condition and out of the ICU the following day, a family representative said.
A statement from a James family representative said “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. We ask for respect and privacy for the James family and we will update media when there is more information.”
The statement added, “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.”
Bronny James, a 6-foot-3 guard, played at Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth.
The Trailblazers finished with a 23-11 record, losing to Sherman Oaks Notre Dame in the CIF Division 1 regional final. On the seeason, James averaged 14.2 points and 5.5 rebounds a game, earning himself a berth in the McDonald’s All American Game for top high school seniors. He scored 15 points on five three-point baskets in that game and finished second in the slam dunk contest.
He is considered one of the top freshman college players in the country, ranked No. 27 by CBS in the class of 2023 recruits. He is a projected lottery pick in the 2024 NBA draft. He chose USC over Oregon and Ohio State.
LeBron James has said he would like to remain in the NBA long enough to play alongside his son.
Last summer, USC center Vince Iwuchukwu collapsed due to cardiac arrest during a basketball practice and was revived by the team’s training staff. He made a full recovery and returned to the team six months later, playing in 14 games for the Trojans.
Damar Hamlin, the Buffalo Bills safety who suffered an on-field cardiac arrest during a nationally televised Monday Night Football game in January, was among those sending support to Bronny James.
“Prayers to Bronny & the James family as well,” Hamlin wrote on Twitter. “Here for you guys just like you have been for me my entire process.”
Laker legend Magic Johnson tweeted, “Cookie and I are praying for LeBron and Savannah’s son Bronny after hearing he suffered a cardiac arrest. We are praying and hoping he makes a full and speedy recovery.”
