25 July 2023 , 14:40
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Bronny James, the highly-rated NBA prospect and son of basketball legend LeBron, suffered a cardiac arrest while practising at the University of Southern California on Monday.
The 18-year-old combo guard has been preparing for his first season of college basketball but collapsed on the court at Galen Center. He is in a stable condition and he is no longer in intensive care.
"Yesterday while practising, Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest," a family statement said. "Medical staff was able to treat Bronny and take him to the hospital. He is now in stable condition and no longer in ICU.
"We ask for respect and privacy for the James family and we will update media when there is more information.
"LeBron and Savannah (Bronny's parents) wish to publicly send their deepest thanks and appreciation to the USC medical and athletic staff for their incredible work and dedication to the safety of their athletes."
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A call was made to emergency services at 9.26am, according to TMZ Sports. Bronny was unconscious at the Galen Center facility where the team trains and plays, and he was rushed to hospital by ambulance.
Bronny was an All-American high school player and he committed to play at USC last month, with his heart set on joining his four-time NBA Champion father on the big stage.
Bronny James impressed in the McDonalds All-American Game in March. (2023 Michael Hickey)Several analysts believe the 18-year-old has the potential to be a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, with LeBron intent on playing on the same team as his oldest son before retiring.
"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.
"I ask him what his aspirations are and he says he wants to play in the NBA so, if he wants to do that, he has to work for it. I'm already here, I'm just waiting for him."
LeBron added in May: "I was serious. And I'm still serious about it. Obviously, I've got to continue to keep my body and my mind fresh, I think my mind most importantly. But at the end of the day, I've done what I had to do in this league, and my son is going to take his journey."
LeBron and Savannah's younger son, Bryce, is also a highly-rated prospect. The 16-year-old shooting guard has impressed for Campbell Hall School and many NBA scouts watched him in action at the Peach Jam showcase in South Carolina earlier this month.