Bronny James, son of the Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James, looks on ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, May 6, 2023. /CFP
Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, has been diagnosed with a likely congenital heart defect but is expected to return to basketball in the near future, according to a statement from a family spokesperson on Friday.
"It is an anatomically and functionally significant Congenital Heart Defect which can and will be treated," the statement said. "We are very confident in Bronny's full recovery and return to basketball in the very near future. We will continue to provide updates to media and respectfully reiterate the family's request for privacy."
During a team practice for the University of Southern California (USC) at the Galen Center on July 24, James experienced a cardiac arrest and was immediately taken to the hospital, where he soon stabilized.
Initial evaluation of the cause was conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, which identified a congenital heart defect. Subsequent evaluations from the Mayo Clinic and Atlantic Health-Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey reached the same conclusion, as stated by the family spokesperson.
Bronny James (R) of Sierra Canyon and his father LeBron James pose for a photo after the game against Akron St. Vincent – St. Mary in Columbus, Ohio, December 14, 2019. /CFP
James was recruited as a five-star athlete by USC in May and was projected to be drafted by an NBA team in the summer of 2024. Anticipation had been high to see him play alongside his father, who holds a player option for the 2024-25 season.
Around a year ago, USC's Vincent Iwuchukwu collapsed during a workout due to a heart ailment. He made a comeback in January, participating in 14 games.
"Bronny was playing extremely well before the issue. Our top concern is his health. We're hopeful that he will be on the court at some point this season," Andy Enfield, head coach of the USC Trojans told Stadium.
Pete Maravich, a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, also had a congenital heart defect, which unfortunately went undetected during his youth. He was born without a left coronary artery, but still became one of the greatest guards in league history. He passed away at the age of 40 in 1988 due to heart failure.