USC freshman Bronny James, the son of Lakers star LeBron James, is in stable condition after suffering a cardiac arrest while practicing Monday, a James family spokesperson confirmed to The Athletic in a statement Tuesday. TMZ first reported the news.
James, 18, collapsed during practice and was taken to the hospital, according to the statement. He is no longer in the intensive care unit, the family spokesperson said.
“Medical staff was able to treat Bronny and take him to the hospital,” the spokesperson said. “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.
“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.”
USC All-American Bronny James collapsed on the court Monday and had a cardiac arrest. He was taken to the hospital and is now in stable condition and no longer in the ICU. Statement: pic.twitter.com/5z9F2qAWP0
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 25, 2023
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood. When this occurs, blood doesn’t flow to the brain or other important organs.
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The oldest of LeBron’s three children, Bronny James announced his commitment to USC in May, picking the Trojans over Ohio State, Oregon, G-League Ignite and Overtime Elite. The McDonald’s All-American was the No. 21 player in the 2023 class, per the 247Sports Composite, and is part of a USC freshman class that ranked fourth nationally. The Trojans, who lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to Michigan State last season, entered the summer as a projected Top 25 team.
LeBron called the day he committed “one of the best days of (his) life,” adding that his son will be the first member of their family to go to college. “No matter the outcome of this game, I couldn’t lose today,” LeBron said after a Lakers’ playoff win.
He previously said he would like to play the final season of his career alongside his son.
“My last year will be played with my son,” James told The Athletic in February 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.”
Monday’s incident comes a year after USC’s Vince Iwuchukwu suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during an informal practice last July. The 7-foot-1 forward was sidelined for six months before returning in January and playing 14 games of his 2022-23 freshman season.
The USC training staff members who responded to Iwuchukwu were honored with the California Athletic Trainers’ Association’s Lifesaver Award earlier this year.
In December 2020, former Florida basketball forward Keyontae Johnson collapsed minutes after tipoff in a game against Florida State. He missed nearly two full seasons and was later diagnosed with “athlete’s heart” — an increase in cardiac mass because of systemic training. Johnson returned to the court last season after transferring to Kansas State and was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft in June.
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who collapsed and went into cardiac arrest during a “Monday Night Football” game against the Bengals in January, shared words of support for the James family on social media.
“Prayers to Bronny & The James family as well,” Hamlin said in a tweet. “Here for you guys just like you have been for me my entire process.”
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Cardiac arrest explained following Bronny James collapse
(Photo: Alex Bierens de Haan / Getty Images)
