Less than five months after a scary cardiac-arrest episode, USC freshman Bronny James has made his anticipated NCAA hoops debut.
LeBron James’ eldest son scored four points with three rebounds, two assists and two steals in 16 minutes off the bench in an 84-79 overtime loss Sunday to Long Beach State.
The 19-year-old Bronny James was hospitalized for three days in the summer after suffering the cardiac arrest during a preseason practice on July 24.
“I just want to say how thankful I am for everything,” Bronny James said after the game. “The Mayo Clinic, everything they helped me with. My parents, my siblings, for supporting me through this hard time in my life.
“I just want to show appreciation for everyone who’s helped me through this.”
LeBron James, who led the Lakers to the inaugural NBA Cup title Saturday night in Las Vegas, cheered on his son from a courtside seat at USC’s home arena, Galen Center.
The four-time MVP had said earlier in the week that he was “super-excited” for his son’s collegiate debut.
“It’s a big milestone for our family, for sure,” LeBron told reporters on Thursday. “It’s another step for him on his journey in his basketball career.”
Doctors determined in August that Bronny James — a four-star recruit out of Sierra Canyon HS in Los Angeles — suffered from a congenital heart defect that triggered the cardiac episode.
He underwent a procedure to treat the defect and returned to basketball activity in November, USC coach Andy Enfield announced Thursday that the 6-3 guard had been medically cleared to play, adding the freshman likely would face a minutes restriction.
Wearing a No.6 jersey with James Jr. on the back, Bronny James entered the game to thunderous applause with 12:58 remaining in the first half with the Trojans leading by four. He logged six minutes over two first-half stints — and missed his first 3-point attempt — but James recorded one rebound, one assist and one blocked shot before intermission.
“Welcome back Bronny,” Kevin Durant posted on X soon after James entered the game.
The home crowd erupted when James scored his first points on a transition 3-pointer with 13:08 remaining in the second half. Enfield had James on the court late in regulation and overtime, and the freshman added two second-half steals, although he split two free throws for a two-point lead with 21 seconds left in regulation.
