LeBron James issues statement after son Bronny, 18, suffered cardiac arrest

25 July 2023 , 16:48

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Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest in practice. (Image: Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

LeBron James has thanked the medical staff of the University of Southern California (USC) after his 18-year-old son Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest whilst in practice on Monday.

Bronny was in training with the USC, as he prepares for his first season of college basketball. During the workout the 18-year-old son of NBA -great James collapsed, and was immediately rushed to hospital where he was treated in the intensive care unit.

It has since been confirmed Bronny has come out of ICU and now remains in a stable condition. On the back of the quick response from the medical team, his Los Angeles Lakers star father and mother Savannah thanked medics for their efforts. A statement on behalf of the James family said: "LeBron and Savannah (Bronny's parents) 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."

Detailing the incident, the statement continued: "Yesterday while practising, Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest. Medical staff was able to treat Bronny and take him to the hospital. He is now in stable condition and no longer in ICU. We ask for respect and privacy for the James family and we will update media when there is more information."

According to a report from TMZ, Bronny fell unconscious during his session at the Gallen Center and a call to the emergency services was made at 9:26am local time. On the back of the success of his legendary father, the teenager has also been backed to make it to the NBA, having been tipped for selection in the 2024 draft.

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LeBron James' son Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest

Having been listed in the 2024 mock draft, his dad LeBron has outlined his intentions to play alongside his son on the NBA court before he calls time on his career. Discussing the prospect in January the 38-year-old said: "I need to get on the court with my son, I want to be on the court with Bronny.

"I don't mean we'll do one on one in a game, but I'd love to do something Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. style. It would be awesome, no doubt. "I ask him what his aspirations are and he says he wants to play in the NBA so, if he wants to do that, he has to work for it. I'm already here, I'm just waiting for him."

Reiterating this point four months later, the Lakers star went on: "I was serious. And I'm still serious about it. Obviously, I've got to continue to keep my body and my mind fresh, I think my mind most importantly. But at the end of the day, I've done what I had to do in this league, and my son is going to take his journey."

Joshua Lees