Basketball

Bronny James suffers cardiac arrest in USC basketball workout, now in stable condition

The incoming four-star recruit announced his commitment to the Trojans in May.

James prepares to take a shot in a white uniform.

Sierra Canyon's Bronny James warms up at halftime during a high school basketball game against Christopher Columbus at the Hoophall Classic, Monday, January 16, 2023, in Springfield, Mass. Southern California have already landed Bronny James, son of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. Now, D.J. Rodman, the son of NBA rebounding great Dennis Rodman, has announced on social media that he's transferring to USC. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan, File)

By Will Simonds

Bronny James, the son of NBA star LeBron James, went into cardiac arrest during a USC basketball practice Monday, according to a family spokesperson.

The family statement, released Tuesday morning, said James is now in stable condition after a stint in the intensive care unit.

“We ask for respect and privacy for the James family and we will update media when there is more information,” the statement said. “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.

According to a Los Angeles Times report, Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics were called to the USC practice facilities at Galen Center at 9:26 a.m. Monday for a medical emergency. James was then taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

James was a consensus four-star recruit coming out of Sierra Canyon High School and is ranked the No. 20 overall recruit in the 2023 class by ESPN. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, the highly touted guard announced his commitment to USC in May over Ohio State and Oregon.

Several notable celebrities and athletes have already expressed support for James and his family on social media. Current and former NBA stars, including Magic Johnson, Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell all took to Twitter Tuesday morning to offer their thoughts and prayers.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who suffered cardiac arrest during an NFL game in January, also shared his support saying, “Prayers to Bronny & The James family as well. here for you guys just like you have been for me my entire process.”

Last July, USC forward Vince Iwuchukwu, then also a top-ranked incoming freshman, suffered cardiac arrest as well during an informal team workout. He had to be revived by USC athletic trainers on the court and spent a few days in the hospital.

Despite initially being told by doctors that he’d likely never play basketball again, Iwuchukwu was able to make a full recovery. He made his college debut on Jan. 12 against Colorado, just over six months after his medical incident, and went on to play in 14 games for the Trojans last season.

TheUSC men’s basketball team was preparing to embark on an overseas trip beginning next week, featuring exhibition games in Greece and Croatia. The squad looks to be one of the best in the nation in the upcoming season, with returning All-Pac-12 guard Boogie Ellis and the No. 1 recruit in the 2023 class, Isaiah Collier, playing alongside James in a supremely talented backcourt.

This is a developing story with updates to be provided.