Bronny James suffers cardiac arrest, in stable condition – report

MANILA, Philippines – Top collegiate basketball prospect Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest in practice on Monday, July 24 (Tuesday, July 25, Manila time) but is now out of the ICU and is in stable condition at the University of Southern California (USC), per a report by The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

The James family, including Bronny’s father LeBron and mother Savannah, requested for privacy at the moment through a statement, but assured the public that the 18-year-old NBA aspirant, who reportedly collapsed on court, is out of any immediate danger.

“Medical staff was able to treat Bronny and take him to the hospital,” the James family statement said. “He is now in stable condition and no longer in ICU.”

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel had responded to a medical emergency call shortly before 9:30 am Monday morning at the Galen Center, the team’s home arena, an LAFD spokesperson said on Tuesday. 

An adult male was treated and taken to the hospital, according to the spokesperson, who declined to disclose the patient’s identity or details about the medical emergency.

Bronny, one of American high school and collegiate basketball’s most scrutinized prospects due to his lineage, continues to climb scouts’ rankings as he plies his craft with the USC Trojans.

“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,” the statement read.

The family also said it “will update the media when there is more information.”

Bronny is a highly touted incoming freshman for USC, having been named a McDonald’s All-American as a senior in high school.

A 6-foot-3 combo guard, Bronny currently ranks as a late first-round pick in many 2024 NBA mock draft boards and remains a highly intriguing piece for many teams, in part due to LeBron’s pre-retirement wish to play at least one season with his eldest son wherever he lands.

LeBron, who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers and is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, recently announced his decision to play for a 21st season.

Life-saving CPR

The incident comes a year after USC center Vince Iwuchukwu collapsed during practice after suffering heart failure. 

Iwuchukwu was revived by team’s medical staff and played last season after recovering.

It is also reminiscent of an incident in January, when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed from a cardiac arrest during a Monday night NFL game in Cincinnati.

Hamlin received life-saving CPR on the field as the frightening scene unfolded in front of a packed stadium and national television audience.

The 24-year-old Hamlin, who spent days in the hospital recovering, plans to play football this season. – with a report from Reuters/Rappler.com