Less than five months after a scary cardiac arrest episode, USC freshman Bronny James made his NCAA hoops debut on Sunday off the bench against Long Beach State.
LeBron James’ eldest son was hospitalised for three days in the summer after suffering the cardiac arrest during a preseason practice on July 24.
He logged six minutes over two first-half stints — and missed his lone 3-point attempt — but James recorded one rebound, one assist and one blocked shot before intermission.
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LeBron, who led the Lakers to the inaugural NBA Cup title Saturday night in Las Vegas, was in attendance 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 the 19-year-old James — a four-star recruit out of Sierra Canyon H.S. 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-foot-3 guard had been medically cleared to play, adding the freshman likely would face a minutes restriction.
“All indications are he feels great, and he looks good,” Enfield said.
Wearing a No. 6 jersey with James Jr. on the back, James entered the game to thunderous applause with 12:58 remaining in the first half with the Trojans leading by four.
” Welcome back Bronny,” Kevin Durant posted on X after James entered the game.
