Son of NBA star LeBron James, Bronny James experienced a cardiac arrest while participating in basketball practice at the University of Southern California. He was subsequently hospitalized on Monday, as confirmed by a family spokesperson.
Thankfully, he has now been moved out of the intensive care unit and is reported to be in stable condition, according to the statement.
“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 said.
“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.”
At the age of 18, Bronny is set to join USC’s basketball team as an incoming freshman, following his graduation from Sierra Canyon High School in Los Angeles this spring. As a highly-regarded four-star recruit, he showcased his talent and abilities during the McDonald’s All-American Game in March, which featured some of the nation’s top high school basketball players.
He averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.7 steals his senior year of high school, and joined a USC team seeking to reach the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive time.
“So damn proud of you kid!” his father wrote on Instagram after Bronny committed to attend USC. “I have no words besides I LOVE YOU!!!”
James, 38, will enter his 21st season in the NBA and his sixth season with the Los Angeles Lakers. The four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP has said one of his final goals is to play in the NBA with his son.
“My last year will be played with my son,” James told the Athletic in 2022. “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 means that the heart suddenly stops beating. Last year, Damar Hamlin of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills suffered a cardiac arrest in the middle of a primetime game and was hospitalized for over a week.
“Prayers to Bronny & The James family as well,” Hamlin wrote on Twitter on Tuesday. “Here for you guys just like you have been for me my entire process.”