LeBron James Might Skip Lakers Game for Bronny’s USC Debut

The Los Angeles Lakers legend’s son was cleared for full basketball activity Thursday, months after suffering a cardiac arrest in practice.

Bronny James, the elder son of Lakers star LeBron James, has been cleared for full basketball activity months after going into cardiac arrest during a summer workout.

With Bronny now in line to make his USC debut sooner rather than later, LeBron made his plans with the Lakers known in the event that his son’s first game falls on a day when the Lakers also play.

“Whenever he’s cleared and ready to have his first game, I already told my teammates that if they play on the same day we’re playing, I’m going to have to catch them the next game,” James told reporters after his team’s 133–110 loss at Oklahoma City on Thursday night. “Family over everything … but definitely got to see Bronny’s first game whenever he’s cleared and ready to go.”

A spokesperson for the James family released a statement Thursday indicating that Bronny has been cleared by his doctors for a full return to basketball. He’s scheduled to have a final evaluation with USC’s medical staff this week, and if cleared by the team, he will return to practice next week and games shortly after that.

USC is 5–2 on the season in Bronny’s absence, and outside of star guards Boogie Ellis and Kobe Johnson, is relatively young in the backcourt. If Bronny shows he’s capable of making an impact upon his return, USC’s Andy Enfield is certain to find minutes for the freshman.

USC plays No. 11 Gonzaga on Saturday night in the Legends of Basketball Las Vegas Invitational. Bronny likely won’t play in that game, but he could potentially make his college debut on Dec. 10 against Long Beach State or Dec. 17 against Auburn.