Bronny James Takes Steps Toward USC Debut, Participates in Pregame Warmups Before 81-70 Win Over Brown

”Today’s game was the first game he got an opportunity to warm up with his team,” Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James told reporters of his son. “So, he’s almost there. … He’s almost there.”

Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, faced a health scare in July when he suffered a cardiac arrest during a workout on the basketball court. Despite this alarming incident, Bronny remains a member of the University of Southern California (USC) basketball team.

LeBron James had shared on November 6 that his son was eager to return to the court as soon as he passed a physical examination. The physical clearance is a crucial step in ensuring Bronny’s readiness to resume playing for the USC team.

As of now, Trojans head coach Andy Enfield has expressed uncertainty regarding the exact timeline for Bronny James to receive full clearance. The cautious approach is understandable, given the seriousness of the cardiac incident. The USC coaching staff, medical team, and Bronny himself are likely prioritizing his health and well-being before confirming his return to active competition. The situation emphasizes the importance of thorough medical assessments and care in the context of athletes’ health, even as they pursue their passion for sports.

“He went through warmups with the team,” he said of James’ pregame involvement. “He’s a big part of our program and our team. He’s a terrific teammate. We look forward to hopefully one day getting him back on the court but when that day is, that’s not my decision. We’re going to patient and go through the process.”

James was the most closely followed star in the 2023 recruiting class thanks to a mix of his family name and his individual exploits on the court. He was the No. 22 overall player in 247Sports’ composite rankings, and he has garnered some NBA draft buzz.

The hype around USC was especially strong because Enfield also signed Isaiah Collier, the top-ranked prep player in the country.

The Trojans have gotten off to a 3-1 start with Sunday’s win. The rest of their nonconference slate includes a Dec. 2 matchup with No. 11 Gonzaga, and they begin Pac-12 play with a Dec. 28 road game against Oregon.