LeBron James was over the moon when his eldest son Bronny announced his commitment to the University of Southern California last year in May. It meant he would play for the USC Trojans men’s basketball team, another step closer to his NBA dream. Above all, Bronny would become the first member of the family to attend college. Everything appeared to have aligned perfectly. However, no one was prepared for what was about to come next.

During a practice session on 24th July at the Galen Center in USC, Bronny unexpectedly collapsed. He had suffered a cardiac arrest and was immediately rushed to the hospital. A collective gasp swept through the indoor arena. In attendance at the practice was the Trojans’ Assistant Coach Eric Mobley who saw the tragic event unfold before his eyes.

The initial reaction was confusion

Through Mobley’s eyes, we witness the devastating event for the first time. As per his account, Coach Andy Enfield had given the team a break. So, he was having a conversation with Bronny’s bodyguard while Bronny was behind him, about two feet away. Once the Coach blew the whistle for the team to get back on the baseline, Mobley stood up, and then, “And I just heard this thump on the ground,” he recalls.

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When he looked back, Bronny was on the ground. Initially, there was confusion, Mobley reveals. “I thought [Bronny] was having a seizure. I didn’t think he was having cardiac arrest. Because he kind of had his eyes rolling back in his head.” On his part, Mobley tried to get Bronny on his side and eventually, they got everyone out of the gym. Bronny was rushed to the hospital and released three days later on 27th July.

Bronny James’ comeback

The cardiac arrest had invariably delayed Bronny’s USC debut. Four months later, he was given the medical green light to return to basketball. He finally made his collegiate debut on 10th December against Long Beach State. The opponents rained on his parade by defeating the USC Trojans 84-79 in overtime. However, Bronny was just happy to be back on the floor. On a minutes restriction, he contributed four points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.

Since then, the young James has played 19 games with the Trojans so far. He has averaged 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. At 19, he is touted to be drafted in the 2024 NBA Draft where he will finally get a chance to play with his father. For now, he seems committed to USC as he carves himself as a defensive force on the hardwood.