Bronny James, the son of NBA star LeBron James, experienced a cardiac arrest while participating in a basketball practice at the University of Southern California (USC) and was admitted to the hospital on Monday, as reported by a family spokesperson.
Thankfully, Bronny’s condition has improved, and he has been transferred out of the intensive care unit and is currently in stable condition, according to the statement.
The statement released by the family spokesperson reads: “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 statement went on to say, “We ask for respect and privacy for the James family and we will update media when there is more information.”
LeBron and Savannah, his parents, express their profound gratitude to the dedicated medical and athletic staff at USC for their exceptional efforts and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of their athletes.
Cardiac arrest is a condition that occurs when the heart experiences electrical disruptions, leading to an abrupt cessation of its beating. If not promptly treated, it can be fatal; however, it can be reversed through the application of CPR and the use of a defibrillator, as stated by the American Heart Association.
At 18 years old, Bronny is a promising incoming freshman for USC’s basketball team, having recently graduated from Sierra Canyon High School in Los Angeles. Standing tall at 6 feet 3 inches, he is a versatile combo guard, earning a four-star recruit rating. Bronny’s remarkable skills were showcased during the McDonald’s All-American Game in March, where he showcased his talent alongside some of the nation’s top high school basketball players.
During his senior year of high school, Bronny showcased his skills with an impressive performance, averaging 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.7 steals. As he joined the USC basketball team, they had their sights set on reaching the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive time.
Upon Bronny’s commitment to USC, his father, James, expressed his overwhelming pride on Instagram, writing, “So damn proud of you kid! I have no words besides I LOVE YOU!!!”
LeBron James, at 38 years old, is gearing up for his 21st season in the NBA, with his sixth season ahead with the Los Angeles Lakers. As a four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP, he has openly shared his desire to achieve a unique milestone – to play alongside his son in the NBA.
With Bronny becoming eligible for the NBA next year, LeBron has expressed his readiness to make that dream a reality, stating in 2022 to The Athletic, “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.”
Cardiac arrest is a condition that occurs when the heart experiences electrical disruptions, leading to an abrupt cessation of its beating. If not promptly treated, it can be fatal; however, it can be reversed through the application of CPR and the use of a defibrillator, as stated by the American Heart Association.
The medical staff at the University of Southern California (USC) has recently encountered a similar incident. In July of the previous year, USC freshman forward Vince Iwuchukwu suffered a cardiac arrest during a summer workout. In a video shared on Twitter earlier this year, Iwuchukwu revealed that he felt dizzy during a practice water break, ultimately collapsing.
With swift action, USC’s dedicated athletic trainers, namely Jon Yonamine, Erin Tillman, and Lauren Crawford, performed CPR and administered shocks, successfully bringing Iwuchukwu back to life. Following his recovery, he made his basketball debut in January, more than six months after the incident.
Head coach Andy Enfield praised the training staff in January, recognizing their exemplary efforts and contributions in Iwuchukwu’s recovery and successful return to the sport.
Our prayers go out to Bronny and his family!
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