LeBron James’ Son Suffers Cardiac Arrest During Basketball Practice, Now in Stable Condition

TUESDAY, July 25, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- The 18-year-old son of basketball superstar LeBron James suffered cardiac arrest during a workout Monday at the University of Southern California.

Bronny James, an incoming USC freshman, was listed in stable condition Tuesday morning after a brief stay in intensive care, a family spokesperson said in a statement.

"Yesterday, while practicing, Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest," the spokesperson said. "Medical staff was able to treat Bronny and take him to the hospital. He is now in stable condition and no longer in ICU."

TMZ reported that his condition was considered a Code 3 -- meaning ambulance lights and sirens -- and he was transported to the hospital by ambulance at 9:26 a.m. Monday.

Cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating. It is an "electrical" problem, and different from a heart attack, according to the American Heart Association.

The Los Angeles Times reported that this was the second time in about a year that the USC medical staff has responded to a men's basketball player suffering cardiac arrest during practice. Center Vince Iwuchukwu collapsed at a practice last July and was revived by athletic trainers. Iwuchukwu returned to the basketball court six months later.

James, a four-star recruit, was a standout in the McDonald's All-American Game in March. He averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.7 steals in his senior year of high school and was a sought-after recruit, according to CNN.

LeBron James, who enters his 21st season in the NBA and sixth with the Los Angeles Lakers, has said one of his dreams is to play in the NBA with his son.

"My last year will be played with my son," James told the Athletic last year. "Wherever Bronny is at, that's where I'll be."

The family has asked for privacy and said it would update reporters when there is more information.

The two cardiac arrests at USC dovetail with the televised collapse of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, 24, who suffered a cardiac arrest during a football game in January. On-field medical staff revived him with CPR. He has since been cleared to play football.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about cardiac arrest.

SOURCES: CNN, July 25, 2023; Los Angeles Times, July 25, 2023; TMZ, July 25, 2023