LeBron James’ son Bronny is expected to make his college basketball debut Sunday when USC plays host to Long Beach State, more than four months after suffering a cardiac arrest during a July practice.
The freshman participated Thursday in his first full-contact practice at USC, without any limitations, the final step in his return to basketball.
Coach Andy Enfield told reporters Thursday in his final meeting with reporters before the game that the decision whether to play would be made by James, his family and medical team.
“It’ll be a determination of how he feels personally and our doctors and trainers and strength coach but all indications are he feels great and he looks good,” Enfield said.
The 19-year-old James is expected to initially play a limited number of minutes.
When asked following the Los Angeles Lakers’ 133-89 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in an NBA In-Season Tournament semifinal, “What would it mean to see him back out there?” LeBron James said, “Everything and more. Looking forward to that, for sure. Super excited. Super excited for that moment. Just one, I can’t wait to see him run out with his teammates. And then once he checks into the game, whenever that case may be, it’s going to be a big moment for our family.
“Obviously, it will be a big moment for him,” the elder James continued. “But he can speak upon that once he decides he wants to talk. But it’s a big milestone for our family, for sure, and it’s another step for him on his journey in his basketball career. So, looking forward to it.”
James suffered a cardiac arrest during a practice at USC’s Galen Center on July 24. He was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was initially treated in intensive care. He was discharged from the hospital three days later.
In August, the James family said that after comprehensive initial and follow-up exams, “the probable cause of Mr. James’ sudden cardiac arrest has been identified. It is an anatomically and functionally significant congenital heart defect which can and will be treated. We are very confident in Bronny’s full recovery and return to basketball in the very near future.”
James’ family announced Nov. 30 that he had been cleared by doctors for a “full return to basketball.”
A 6-foot-4-inch, 210-pound combo guard, James is billed by USC as having “elite basketball instincts and toughness with the ability to score from anywhere on the court.” He averaged 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals as a senior at Sierra Canyon High in Chatsworth, and was ranked as the No. 19 overall recruit in the 2023 recruiting class by ESPN.com.
James scored 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting from three-point range with four assists in the McDonald’s All-American game.
LeBron James has said he would like to play long enough to play alongside his son in the NBA.
The 1 p.m. game from the Galen Center will be televised by the Pac-12 Network.