USC’s Bronny James cleared by doctors for return

LOS ANGELES — Signs of recovery have dotted the Galen Center with every Bronny James appearance across the past month, the freshman increasingly present with USC teammates with each passing week, wearing what looked to be an armband heart monitor and going through a full set of warm-ups before a Nov. 19 game against Brown.

Still, any sense of a return timetable from a stunning summer cardiac arrest was murky – dependent entirely on in-house updates from the James family, as USC coach Andy Enfield has been asked repeatedly about James’ progress and been mum.

“We’re anticipating Bronny being back on the court soon,” Enfield said Wednesday night after a win over Eastern Washington. “What soon means, I don’t know. It’s not my decision. That’s why I really can’t say anything, ’cause I don’t know.”

Soon, evidently, means soon.

James has been cleared by doctors for a full return to basketball, according to a statement by a James family spokesperson sent out Thursday morning. It’s a rapid and encouraging recovery since his collapse at a summer workout in July shocked the basketball world, and the path forward has now been made clear: The oldest son of Lakers star LeBron James will have a final evaluation with USC’s staff this week, resume practice next week and “return to games soon after,” according to the spokesperson.

“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,” the statement read.

James has yet to play for USC this season after being named a McDonald’s All-American his senior year at Sierra Canyon High, but an apparent December return will likely provide a huge boost to a Trojans team in need of ballhandling and playmaking help.