Doctors have finally gotten to the bottom of what sparked Bronny James’ cardiac arrest.
A spokesperson for LeBron James’ 18-year-old son – who committed to the University of Southern California Trojans in May – told Pvnew in a statement Friday that “the probable cause” of Bronny’s sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) has been identified as “an anatomically and functionally significant congenital heart defect.”
The rep added that the young athlete’s condition “can and will be treated,” noting that his family is “very confident” he will make a “full recovery,” which includes a “return to basketball in the very near future.”
Bronny received his diagnosis “after a comprehensive initial evaluation” at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, led by Dr. Merije Chukumerije, and follow-up evaluations at the Mayo Clinic and Atlantic Health/Morristown Medical Center, led by Dr. Michael J. Ackerman and Dr. Matthew W. Martinez, respectively.
“We will continue to provide updates to media and respectfully reiterate the family’s request for privacy,” the statement concluded.
Late last month, news broke that Bronny had suffered the terrifying medical emergency during a basketball practice at USC’s Galen Center.
He was cared for by on-site medical staff and transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was treated in the intensive care unit before being deemed stable enough to be released to general care.
According to the American Heart Association, cardiac arrest occurs when the heart “malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly.” This differs from a heart attack, which happens when blood flow to the organ is blocked.
LeBron – who shares Bronny, son Bryce, 16, and daughter Zhuri, 8, with his wife, Savannah James – looked worried as paparazzi photographed him visiting his eldest at the hospital amid his several-day stay.
“Relieved,” the NBA star, 38, eventually spoke out on Twitter to “thank the countless people sending [his] family love and prayers.”
“We feel you and I’m so grateful,” he wrote, going on to assure concerned fans that “everyone [is] doing great.”
“We have our family together, safe and healthy, and we feel your love,” the Los Angeles Lakers player added.
“Will have more to say when we’re ready but I wanted to tell everyone how much your support has meant to all of us! #JamesGang.”
