“I said, ‘Don’t worry about trying to live up to my footsteps… as a high school player, you’re far better than me so that pressure should be gone. Now, let’s just get better.” Gilbert Arenas has no doubts about his son’s hooping abilities. However, a tragic early morning affected the family, and the entire basketball community was shaken. The 18-year-old suffered a horrible car crash and is currently under medical care. Close friends and family members were quick to send prayers in response to the emotional situation.

Alijah Arenas was in a Tesla Cybertruck early Thursday morning when the vehicle lost control and crashed into a tree/fire hydrant with fire involved. According to the LA Times, the crash took place at 4:56 a.m., and the five-star recruit was luckily pulled from the wreckage. Because of the onlookers’ help and the help of the officers, Gilbert Arenas’ son is in the hospital. Laura Govan, the mother of Alijah, simply asked for continuous prayers to deal with the situation. “I need all youre fuc–ng prayers 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼.”

That’s what the community is doing for the five-star recruit player. Me’Arah O’Neal, the daughter of NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal, took to Instagram: “pull thru brudda.” Further reports from the LA Times indicate that drugs and alcohol were not involved in the crash. ESPN’s Shams Charania also added that USC basketball signee did not suffer from any broken bones. The emotional toll on the family is simply unimaginable.

Gilbert Arenas canceled his live stream ‘Gil’s Arenas’ and his 15-year-old thanked the community for the emotional support. “Thank you guys so much for the prayers it means a lot to us. I’ll get back to everyone as soon as I can!!❤️” Hamiley Arenas, a basketball prodigy herself, wrote the update on Instagram. As for Alijah’s condition, he was put into an induced coma, and the LAPD later confirmed that the condition was stable.

Former players and icons of the NBA pray for Gilbert Arenas’ son after the induced coma situation

The reason for induced coma is due to the protocol followed in the current situation. SI reporter Tarek Fattal added the insight that the reasoning behind Arenas’ induced coma was due to smoke inhalation from the fire caused by the accident. Kevin Garnett, the Celtics legend, added, “Yoo MAJOR PRAYERS 🙏🏼🙏🏼💯GOES OUT TO Alijah Arenas N GILBERT Arenas FAMILY… Hoping for the best 🙏🏼💯.”

The details about induced coma show that it artificially shuts down brain function in cases of extreme trauma. This helps the brain time to heal without the body shutting off blood flow to damaged sections. Since this is an artificially dr-g-induced coma, it is reversible once the situation turns positive. Which even Magic Johnson is hoping for.

“Cookie and I are praying for a full recovery for Alijah Arenas following his car crash,” the Lakers legend tweeted. “We are also praying for the entire Arenas family, especially his dad Gilbert and mom Laura, during this difficult time.” At the time, the basketball talks and achievements feel small. The only conversation that matters about his future is about his recovery and safety!