Bronny James stable after suffering cardiac arrest at USC practice

USC incoming freshman guard Bronny James is in stable condition after he was rushed to the hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest in Los Angeles on Monday.

The medical incident involving the eldest son of LeBron James, who is 18, occurred at USC practice and he was taken to the hospital by medical staff, the James family said in a statement disseminated to media Tuesday. He is no longer in the ICU.

"LeBron and Savannah (James) 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 athletes," the statement reads. 

Support poured in for the family from professional athletes and other notable figures Tuesday. Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who suffered cardiac arrest during an NFL game in January, offered well wishes to the family on Twitter:

"Prayers to Bronny & The James Family as well (prayer emoji) here for you guys just like you have been for me my entire process," Hamlin said.

According to TMZ, a 911 call was placed for an unconscious 18-year-old basketball player from inside USC's basketball facility, the Galen Center. The call was a "Code 3," TMZ reported through unnamed sources, indicating the ambulance rushed to a hospital with lights and sirens. 

The American Heart Association defines cardiac arrest as what "occurs when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly" and clearly differentiates it from a heart attack, which is what happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked.

This is the second consecutive offseason a USC freshman has collapsed during an offseason practice. Vince Iwuchukwu suffered a cardiac arrest and was hospitalized in July 2022. Athletic trainers reportedly revived him using a defibrillator. He returned six months later, played 14 games and averaged 5.4 points per game for the Trojans. 

More on Bronny James:

• Bronny James interview: 'I just want to show that I belong'

• ‘I just want to see Bronny’: When Bronny James and Sierra Canyon took their show on the road, spectacle followed

A four-star prospect according to most recruiting services, the 6-foot-3 James chose USC over Oregon, and is projected on some NBA Draft boards as a potential lottery pick in 2024. LeBron James has spoken publicly about wanting to play in the NBA with his son in the past.

James is a combo guard who excels as a defender, is a strong shooter and next-level athlete who dazzled high school crowds last season. He played high school basketball for four years at Sierra Canyon in Southern California and finished with a strong senior year. 

He was a McDonald's All-American selection, where he hit five 3s in a 15-point performance and he was also a Nike Hoop Summit selection.

This story will be updated with any new relevant information.

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Photos by Taylor Balkom, Heston Quan, Naji Saker, Andy Buhler, McDonald's All-American Game.