USC’s Bronny James warms up before game for 1st time this season،
LOS ANGELES — Bronny James warmed up with his No. 16 USC teammates before a game for the first time this season after suffering cardiac arrest in July during a team practice.
James has yet to make his college debut. After his cardiac arrest, he underwent successful surgery to repair what his family said was a probable congenital heart defect.
“It’s great to have him back on the team with us and participating with us,” USC guard Kobe Johnson said after the Trojans beat Brown, 81-70. “We want him back as soon as possible, but we want him to be as healthy as possible when he returns. Every day we pray that he continues to improve and I hope that at This year he will be able to play with us.”
James did individual work before the games, but was not on the field to warm up with his teammates before Sunday’s game.
“It was great. He participated in warmups with the team. He’s a big part of our program and our team. He’s a great teammate,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “We hope that one day he will return to the field, but that day is not my decision. We will be patient and follow the process.”
On November 6, James’ father, LeBron, told reporters that if his son had a physical later this month, he would return to practice with the intention of participating in the game this season.
“Today’s game was the first game he had a chance to warm up with his team,” LeBron James said Sunday. “So, he’s almost there. …He’s almost there.”
Bronny James played his high school career at Sierra Canyon, just north of Los Angeles, and is a freshman guard for the Trojans.
After the USC game on Sunday, Bronny James made the short trip downtown from the Galen Center to Crypto.Com Arena to watch his father score 37 points, including the free throw, in the 105-104 victory of the Lakers against the Houston Rockets.
“It was great to have him here. To see my guy with a smile,” LeBron James said. Anyone who has students, you know they’re leaving and you might not see them for a week or two and then they show up at your house to do laundry and a hot, fresh meal. It makes me super happy.”
LeBron James also noted that Sunday was the first time he saw his son in two weeks.
“Everything’s good. He’s in school, working out and practicing. Look, the kid’s 19. That’s what the FaceTime video is for,” he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
