‘FIGHT ON!’ Bronny James injury update with major impact on dad LeBron’s NBA career as USC star recovers from cardiac arrest
LeBron James has the tools to team up with Bronny in the NBA next season if his son expresses interest in playing alongside his dad
BRONNY James has been medically cleared for his basketball return.
The University of Southern California guard and eldest son of NBA star LeBron James will soon return to the court after suffering a cardiac arrest earlier this year.
Bronny James, the son of NBA star LeBron, has been cleared to return to basketballCredit: Reuters – USA Today Sports
Bronny has participated in pregame warmups before USC’s past few gamesCredit: Getty
LeBron has expressed a strong desire to team up with his eldest son in the NBACredit: AP
The James family confirmed the news in a statement on Thursday.
“Bronny James is now cleared by his doctors for a full return to basketball,” the statement read.
“Bronny will have a final evaluation with USC staff this week, resume practice next week, and return to games soon after.
“The James family would like to express their gratitude to the incredible medical team, the entire USC community, and especially the countless friends, family, and fans for their love and support.
“Fight on!”
Bronny, 19, collapsed during a USC training in July.
He was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, for treatment before being discharged three days later.
The 6-foot-4 shooting guard was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect following weeks of further tests, a condition that could be treated.
The James family expected Bronny to make a full recovery and return to basketball in the near future.
The USC star has participated in pregame workouts in the Trojans’ past few outings.
His imminent comeback will have a major impact on dad LeBron’s career.
The four-time champion has previously expressed a strong desire to team up with his son in the NBA.
“My last year will be played with my son,” James told The Athletic during the 2022 All-Star Weekend.
“Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year.
“It’s not about the money at that point.”
He later clarified that Bronny would make the decision on whether or not they become the NBA’s first-ever father-son teammate duo.
“I need to be on the floor with my boy, I got to be on the floor with Bronny,” James told ESPN in January.
“Either in the same uniform or a matchup against him.
“I don’t mean like [guarding one another all game] — because he’s a point guard and I’m a, at this point now I’m playing center or whatever the team needs from me.
“But I would love to do the whole Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. thing. That would be ideal for sure.”
Bronny will be eligible to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft and enter the league next season.
And if he shows interest in playing alongside his father, LeBron will have the tools to make it happen.
The Lakers star has a player option for the 2024-25 season, allowing him to opt out of his current contract and become a free agent.
If the 19-time All-Star exercises the option, he will be free to sign with the team that lands the USC star in the June draft.
Bronny was deemed a potential top-10 pick before suffering the cardiac arrest.
