Bronny James Took Encouraging Step Towards Return to Basketball With USC
USC freshman Bronny James made a major step in his recovery process on Sunday just months after he suffered cardiac arrest in July.
Ahead of Sunday’s USC’s matchup vs. Brown, James warmed up with his team on the court. While he’s practiced with his team, this was the first time he’s been on the court with the team before a game.
His official college basketball debut date hasn’t been announced as he still recovers from the heart surgery he underwent this summer. His progression has been headed in the right direction as James hopes to make his debut sometime this season.
Bronny James out warming up pregame for USC hoops before tonight’s game against Brown. Kobe Johnson and Boogie Ellis, who both missed last game v. UCI, are also warming up. pic.twitter.com/i8s2IEuT4m
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) November 20, 2023
His father, Lakers star LeBron James, offered more promising news on Sunday regarding his son’s status.
“Today’s game was the first game he got an opportunity to warm up with his team,” James said. “So, he’s almost there. ... He’ almost there.”
USC coach Andy Enfield told reporters after USC’s game that the team is “going to be patient and go through the process” while James continues to work on getting healthy.
After USC’s 81–70 win to move to 4–1, the young James headed to Los Angeles to watch his father face the Rockets at Crypto.Com Arena. This meant the world to the Lakers star.
“It was great to have him here, to see my man with a smile,” James said. “Anybody who’s got college kids, you know they leave and you might not see him for a week or two and then they show up at your house for laundry and a warm, fresh meal. It makes me super-duper happy.”