USC freshman guard Bronny James, son of Lakers superstar LeBron James, is on the verge of making his collegiate debut.
Per USC head coach Andy Enfield, James is set to take the floor for the Trojans nearly five months after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest during a summer workout. His return to competition is a welcome sight following each positive update that has come since James suffered the cardiac event.
As he prepares to begin his college career, The Sporting News looks back at a timeline of James' incredible recovery from a health scare to return to high-level competition.
MORE: Cardiologist explains Bronny James' cardiac arrest and outlines steps for recovery
Timeline of Bronny James' cardiac arrest, recovery and return to basketball
Monday, July 24
Bronny James suffers a sudden cardiac arrest during an offseason workout on the campus of USC.
On July 25, 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."
Thursday, July 27
It is announced that James has been discharged home after being successfully treated for a sudden cardiac arrest.
A statement from the consulting cardiologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Group in Los Angeles shares that, "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."
Saturday, July 29
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!"
Monday, Sept. 25
USC head coach Andy Enfield shares that "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."
Monday, Oct. 2
At Lakers Media Day, LeBron James provides a positive update on Bronny:
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.
Sunday, Nov. 19
Ahead of USC's fourth game of the 2023-24 season, Bronny participates in pregame warmups for the first time this season, a clear step in the right direction toward a return to action.
Thursday, Nov. 30
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!
LeBron James tells reporters that if Bronny's debut falls on the same day as a Lakers game, he will miss a day of work in order to watch his son's collegiate debut.
Thursday, Dec. 7
Enfield shares that things are trending toward James making his collegiate debut on Sunday, Dec. 10 when USC hosts Long Beach State in a non-conference matchup.
Sunday, Dec. 10
USC hosts Long Beach State in a non-conference game at the Galen Center, and James is officially cleared to play. The game is set for 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. local time).
OFFICIAL: Bronny James is AVAILABLE for today’s game vs. Long Beach State. pic.twitter.com/rRHLfSksLO
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) December 10, 2023
