Bronny James has realized a lifelong dream less than a year after a life-altering event.
After one season at USC, James is expected to hear his name called during the 2024 NBA Draft, setting him up to join his father, LeBron, in the world's top professional basketball league. It's the latest step in an incredible journey for James, who experienced cardiac arrest in the summer of 2023.
As James is set to begin his career as an NBA player, The Sporting News looks back at his journey over the past 11 months.
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Timeline of Bronny James' cardiac arrest, recovery and NBA Draft selection
July 24, 2023
Bronny James suffers a sudden cardiac arrest during an offseason workout on the campus of USC.
One day later, The Athletic's Shams Charania reports the news of James' cardiac event, sharing a statement which in part reads that, "Medical staff was able to treat Bronny and take him to the hospital. He is now in stable condition and no longer in ICU."
July 27, 2023
James is discharged home after successful treatment at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The consulting cardiologist at Cedars-Sinai shares the following statement:
Although [James'] workup will be ongoing, we are hopeful for his continued progress and are encouraged by his response, resilience, and his family and community support.
July 29, 2023
LeBron James shares an Instagram video of Bronny playing the piano with a caption that reads, "GRAND RISING!! God is Great! Bronny, YOU ARE AMAZING!!! Simple as that! Keep going Young [King]!!! We're here right with you every step of the way!"
Sept. 25, 2023
Then-USC head coach Andy Enfield shares the following update on James:
Bronny's doing very well, but we just can't comment on anything medically.
He's going to class and doing extremely well in school, and we're really excited for him. He's around when he can be and he's getting caught up [with] some schoolwork and doing very well. His grades are excellent right now, and he's being the true student-athlete.
Oct. 2, 2023
LeBron James provides this update on his son at Lakers Media Day:
Bronny is doing extremely well. He has begun his rehab process to get back on the floor this season with his teammates at USC. The successful surgery that he had ... he's on the up and up. It's definitely a whirlwind and a lot of emotions for our family this summer, but the best thing we have is each other.
Nov. 19, 2023
Ahead of USC's fourth game of the 2023-24 season, Bronny participates in pregame warmups for the first time of the season, signaling a step in the right direction toward a return to action.
Nov. 30, 2023
The James family releases a statement announcing that Bronny has been cleared by his doctors for a full return to basketball.
Here is the statement in full:
Bronny James is now cleared by his doctors for a full return to basketball. Bronny will have a final evaluation with USC staff this week, resume practice next week, and return to games soon after. The James family would like to express their gratitude to the incredible medical team, the entire USC community, and especially the countless friends, family, and fans for their love and support. Fight On!
Dec. 7, 2023
Enfield reveals that James would likely make his collegiate debut on Sunday, Dec. 10 when USC hosts Long Beach State in a non-conference matchup.
Dec. 10, 2023
James makes his collegiate debut against Long Beach State, finishing with four points, three rebounds and two assists while seeing 17 minutes of action in an overtime loss.
Dec. 30, 2023
In a loss to Oregon State, James scores 15 points (on 6-of-11 shooting) in 25 minutes of action. It would be the top-scoring performance of his freshman campaign.
Jan. 13, 2024
James makes his first-ever collegiate start in which he saw 25 minutes of action in a loss to Colorado. Despite joining the starting unit, James can't find his offensive stride and is held scoreless.
March 9, 2024
James finishes with five points and six rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench as USC pulls off a 78-65 upset over No. 5 Arizona.
March 14, 2024
USC's 2023-24 season ends with a loss to Arizona in the Pac-12 Tournament. The Trojans finish with a 15-18 record and does not participate in any postseason tournaments.
April 5, 2024
James takes to Instagram to announce that he has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal and declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. In his announcement, James thanks USC, his teammates and the medical team that helped him get back on the floor.
May 3, 2024
The NBA announces James as one of 78 prospects who will be invited to the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.
May 12-19, 2024
James has a strong showing at the NBA Draft Combine, measuring in at 6-1.5 inches and 210 lbs. He impresses in shooting drills and held his own during scrimmages.
May 29, 2024
The deadline to return to the NCAA passes, meaning James will forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility to stay in the 2024 NBA Draft.
June 5, 2024
James has a strong pre-draft workout with the Suns, according to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. Phoenix is among the teams reportedly most interested in taking James.
June 13, 2024
James attends a pre-draft workout with the Lakers, who have emerged as a favorite to select him in the draft. The strongest connection, of course, is James' father spending the last six seasons with the franchise.
June 27, 2024
After not hearing his name during Day 1 of the NBA Draft, James is selected by the Lakers with the 55th overall pick. He could join his father, who has spent the last six seasons with the team.
