The anticipated debut is the product of a triumphant recovery from a terrifying health scare earlier in the year

BRONNY James is making his collegiate debut after suffering a terrifying cardiac arrest.

James’ father, the legendary LeBron James, showed up to support his son’s triumphant return to basketball.

LeBron James cheers on his son Bronny during his debutCredit: AP

It was Bronny’s first basketball action since suffering cardiac arrest in JulyCredit: AP
LeBron stood on the sidelines calling out to his son while he passed the ball around the court.

Bronny played off the bench as USC aims to slowly reintroduce him into the lineup and get him into playing shape.

“It’s just going to be a feel for how the game’s going, how he’s playing, how he feels physically,” USC coach Andy Enfield said last week.

“(Sunday will) be very emotional for him as well as his teammates. But as the game progresses, I think he’ll settle in, and we’ll just play it half by half and see where he is.”

James was the No. 19 recruit in his class and committed to USC on May 6, 2023.

The 6-foot-3 guard from Cleveland attended Sierra Canyon School in California and was considered a top-five point guard in the country.

On July 25 he suffered cardiac arrest during an offseason workout and was reported to be fully conscious, neurologically intact, and stable upon his arrival to the hospital.

It was determined that the health scare likely came from a congenital heart defect.

“After a comprehensive initial evaluation at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center led by Dr. Merije Chukumerije and follow-up evaluations at the Mayo Clinic led by Dr. Michael J. Ackerman and Atlantic Health/Morristown Medical Center led by Dr. Matthew W. Martinez, the probable cause of Mr. James’ sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) has been identified,” a family spokesperson said.

“It is an anatomically and functionally significant Congenital Heart Defect which can and will be treated.

“We are very confident in Bronny’s full recovery and return to basketball in the very near future.”

According to the American Heart Association, “a congenital heart defect results when the heart, or blood vessels near the heart, don’t develop normally before birth.

“Such defects result when a mishap occurs during heart development soon after conception — often before the mother is aware that she is pregnant.”

It is also notable that James suffered cardiac arrest and not a heart attack.

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart can’t pump enough blood to support the entire body. A heart attack occurs when there is blockage preventing blood flow through the heart.

Now that doctors understand the defect in James’ heart, he will be clear to continue his basketball career without any further delay.

It is unclear if he received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, a device that makes sure the heart beats properly, but it would be a reasonable measure to keep him safe.

If James comes back and has a good campaign with USC, he could earn himself a pick in the NBA draft.

LeBron James has publicly expressed his desire to play basketball with his son, and could join whatever team drafts Bronny if he gets selected.

USC is only nine games into its season so James has plenty of make an impact and earn a shot to play with his father.

Bronny aims to play in the NBA with his fatherCredit: Getty