Southern California's Bronny James cleared by doctors for 'full return to basketball'

Southern California freshman Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, has been cleared by doctors for a “full return to basketball” after he had sustained sudden cardiac arrest during workouts in July on the USC campus.

“Bronny James is now cleared by his doctors for a full return to basketball,” a family spokesperson said in a statement. “Bronny will have a final evaluation with USC staff this week, resume practice next week, and return to games soon after. 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. Fight On!”

James was hospitalized, and in August after follow-up evaluations Mayo Clinic and Atlantic Health/Morristown Medical Center, he was diagnosed with an “anatomically and functionally significant Congenital Heart Defect which can and will be treated." At the time, the family expressed confidence that James would be able to play basketball again.

The Trojans are 5-2 and play No. 10 Gonzaga in Las Vegas Saturday (10 p.m. ET, ESPN).

James, a four-star recruit committed to the Trojans in May after averaging 14 points, five rebounds and three assists in his senior year at Sierra Canyon (Los Angeles) School last season. He possesses many of the same unselfish skills as his dad and moved up the player rankings in the Class of 2023 as the season progressed to the point where he was a projected first-round in the 2024 draft before he collapsed on the court.

A congenital heart defect is an abnormality in the heart (the heart or blood vessels near the heart do not develop normally before birth) and is one of the most common birth defects, according to Johns Hopkins and the Mayo Clinic. There are several kinds of CHDs, each with varying impacts on a person’s overall health.

Keyontae Johnson was diagnosed with a heart ailment at Florida after collapsing during a game against Florida State on Dec. 12, 2020. He transferred to Kansas State, was cleared to play and Oklahoma City drafted him in the second round in June. The NBA’s Fitness to Play panel also cleared him to play.