On Friday, the cause of Bronny James’ sudden cardiac arrest, which occurred near the end of last month, was revealed.
“After a comprehensive initial evaluation at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center led by Dr. Merije Chukumerije and follow-up evaluations at the Mayo Clinic led by Dr. Michael J. Ackerman and Atlantic Health/Morristown Medical Center led by Dr. Matthew W. Martinez, the probable cause of Mr. James’ sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) has been identified,” a spokesperson for the James family said. “It is an anatomically and functionally significant Congenital Heart Defect which can and will be treated.”
“We are very confident in Bronny’s full recovery and return to basketball in the very near future. We will continue to provide updates to media and respectfully reiterate the family’s request for privacy,” the statement concluded.
On July 24, the 18-year-old James suffered a cardiac event while practicing with the USC basketball team, just months before his first collegiate basketball season was set to start. The team’s 2023-24 season doesn’t begin until November.
“Medical staff was able to treat Bronny and take him to the hospital. He is now in stable condition and no longer in ICU,” a statement said at the time. “We ask for respect and privacy for the James family and we will update media when there is more information. LeBron and Savannah 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.”
During James’ tenure at Sierra Canyon High School in California, the school went 95-22, with Bronny averaging 14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 steals per game his senior season.
James committed to USC in May, choosing the team over Ohio State and Oregon. He was the 33rd ranked player in his class and was named a McDonald’s All-American earlier this year.
However, Bronny is eligible for the 2024 NBA Draft, and his father LeBron has spoken of his own wish to team up with his son in the pros.
Additionally, the son of legendary basketball player Shaquille O’Neal, Shareef O’Neal, told reporters that he didn’t think the medical incident will affect James’ basketball career “at all” and added, “I don’t think (the cardiac arrest will) affect anything.”
Bronny, meanwhile, continues to recover at home. While it remains unclear if he will appear on the USC Trojans’ roster at the beginning of this season, it seems increasingly likely that he will.
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