27 July 2023 , 19:59
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Bronny James has returned home after suffering a cardiac arrest on the basketball court on Monday, a doctor has confirmed.
The 18-year-old son of NBA legend LeBron collapsed on the court at the University of Southern California (USC) and was rushed to hospital. By the time the news was made public on Tuesday, Bronny was in a stable condition and he was out of intensive care.
Merije Chukumerije, a cardiovascular doctor at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles where Bronny was treated, said he has been "encouraged" by the youngster's response to the frightening incident.
"Thanks to the swift and effective response by the USC athletics' medical staff, Bronny James was successfully treated for a sudden cardiac arrest," Dr Chukumerije said.
"He arrived at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center fully conscious, neurologically intact and stable. Mr James was cared for promptly by highly-trained staff and has been discharged home, where he is resting.
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
"Although his workup will be ongoing, we are hopeful for his continued progress and are encouraged by his response, resilience, and his family and community support."
Dr Chukumerije's update comes shortly after a statement from four-time NBA MVP LeBron earlier on Thursday thanking people for their support.
Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest in practice. (Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)"I want to thank the countless people sending my family love and prayers," he tweeted. "We feel you and I’m so grateful. Everyone doing great. We have our family together, safe and healthy, and we feel your love.
"(I) will have more to say when we’re ready but I wanted to tell everyone how much your support has meant to all of us!"
Bronny collapsed on the court at Gallen Center – the team facility of USC where the teenager had been preparing for his freshman year of college basketball – at 9.26am on Monday, according to TMZ Sports.
The 18-year-old is the oldest of LeBron and Savannah James' three children. He has a younger brother, 16-year-old Bryce, who is also a talented basketball prospect, and an eight-year-sister called Zhuri.
Bronny earned All-American honours after impressing in high school, and there was significant competition for his services before he committed to play for USC in May.
Some analysts have rated the combo guard as a potential first-round selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, with his father saying earlier this year he was desperate to play alongside his son at the elite level.
"I need to get on the court with my son, I want to be on the court with Bronny," the 38-year-old said in January. "I don't mean we'll do one on one in a game, but I'd love to do something Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. style. It would be awesome, no doubt."