Teenage son of LeBron James in stable condition after cardiac arrest
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Bronny James is a highly touted incoming freshman guard for the Trojans, having been named a McDonald’s All-American as a senior in high school.
PHOTO: USA TODAY SPORTS
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LOS ANGELES – Bronny James, the eldest son of National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar LeBron James, is in a stable condition after suffering a cardiac arrest, the James family said on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old collapsed on court while training with his University of Southern California (USC) teammates on Monday in Los Angeles.
“Yesterday while practising, Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest,” a spokesman for the family said in a statement. “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 TMZ.com celebrity news website reported that Bronny was unconscious before being rushed to hospital following the cardiac incident.
According to the American Heart Association, only about one in 10 people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, which occurs when the heart stops abruptly with little or no warning.
The teenager’s cardiac arrest came just over a year after another USC basketball player, Vincent Iwuchukwu, suffered heart failure and collapsed during an informal practice. Iwuchukwu made a full recovery.
The James family were given words of support from 25-year-old National Football League player Damar Hamlin, who also suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for the Buffalo Bills in January in an incident that shocked the sports world.
“Prayers to Bronny & the James family as well,” Hamlin, who made a full recovery and has since been cleared to resume his career, wrote on Twitter.
“Here for you guys just like you have been for me my entire process.”
Los Angeles Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson also offered support, tweeting: “We are praying and hoping he makes a full and speedy recovery.”
Bronny committed to playing for the USC Trojans in May after becoming one of the top prospects in United States high school basketball. He capped a stellar senior-year campaign at the exclusive Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles with 15 points in an All-Star game of top college candidates, sinking five three-pointers.
His famous father – the NBA’s all-time leading scorer as well as a four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player – has long spoken of his desire to extend his career in order to play in the league with his son.
“I need to be on the floor with my boy, I got to be on the floor with Bronny... that would be ideal for sure,” the 38-year-old Lakers forward told ESPN in an interview in January.
Bronny could be eligible for the NBA Draft after one season with the Trojans, who are expected to have a strong squad next season. Some analysts have already marked him as a likely top-10 selection in the 2024 NBA Draft.
LeBron and Savannah James also share a younger son, Bryce Maximus, 16, and an eight-year-old daughter, Zhuri Nova. AFP
