USC’s Bronny James cleared to return to basketball 18 days before Auburn game

USC’s Bronny James, son of NBA star LeBron James, is set to make a return to basketball five months after he went into cardiac arrest at a team basketball practice, according to a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, from The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

Just In: After recovering from a cardiac arrest in late July, USC freshman Bronny James has been cleared to make a full return to basketball. He will resume practice next week for Trojans and return to games soon after. Statement from James family spokesperson: pic.twitter.com/3aj490m6Fl

— Shams Charania November 30, 2023

According to a report from the Associated Press, it was later determined James had a congenital heart defect.

Charania reports James will return to practice next week and, when he’s ready, to games.

This news comes just over two weeks before USC’s trip to play Auburn at Neville Arena. The game is scheduled for noon on Dec. 17.

James was rated as a 5-star recruit by the 247Sports composite ranking. He’s been under immense scrutiny and hype because of his last name.

Auburn is 5-1 this season with five straight wins following the opening loss to Baylor. USC is currently 5-2 with losses to UC Irvine and Oklahoma but a win over Kansas State and Seton Hall.