Exclusively: USC Freshman Bronny James Makes Bench Debut in NCAA Basketball Less Than Five Months After Enrollment

One day into preseason practice on July 24, LeBron James’ eldest child suffered a cardiac arrest and was subsequently hospitalized for three consecutive days that summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James had appeared for six minutes in two separate segments prior to halftime, failing on his lone three-point attempt. Despite this, he managed to deflect a shot, assist another player, and secure a rebound.

On Saturday night in Las Vegas, attendees gathered at USC’s home arena, Galen Center, to honor LeBron, who led the Lakers to their inaugural NBA Cup championship.

The four-time Most Valuable Player earlier in the week expressed tremendous anticipation for his son’s NCAA debut.

It is abundantly evident that this is a momentous achievement for our family, LeBron James told reporters on Thursday. “His progression in his basketball career continues.”

The congenital heart abnormality that precipitated the cardiac arrest of 19-year-old James, a four-star recruit from Los Angeles’ Sierra Canyon High School, was disclosed by physicians in Los Angeles in August.

He resumed his basketball activities in November subsequent to a surgical procedure aimed at rectifying the deformity.

USC head coach Andy Enfield proclaimed the 6-foot-3 guard medically cleared to play on Thursday. Additionally, Enfield hinted that the freshman’s playing time will likely be limited.

Enfield reports that he is in a good physical condition and appears to be in a good mood.

At 12 minutes and fifty-eight seconds into the first half, with the Trojans leading by four points, James entered the field to a resounding round of ovation while donning a No. 6 jersey bearing James Jr.’s name.

Upon James’s entrance, Kevin Durant welcomed Bronny back to the game with a post on X.