Bronny James Medically Cleared to Play in NBA, Despite Cardiac Arrest and Heart Defect

Despite suffering a cardiac arrest and undergoing a procedure to repair a congenital heart defect in the past year, USC freshman Bronny James has reportedly been cleared to play in the NBA. The news comes as a major relief to the 19-year-old son of NBA legend LeBron James, who has been anxiously awaiting the green light to resume his basketball career.

CHICAGO -- In the aftermath of his cardiac arrest and a procedure to repair a congenital heart defect nine months ago, USC's Bronny James has been medically cleared to play in the NBA, sources told ESPN on Tuesday.

James, the 19-year-old son of NBA legend LeBron James, will begin his professional basketball career after a decorated high school and college career. He was a consensus five-star recruit coming out of high school and was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman team this past season at USC.

James' medical clearance is a major relief for both the player and his family. In May 2022, James suffered a cardiac arrest while playing in an AAU game. He was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery to repair a congenital heart defect.

The diagnosis was a shock to James and his family, as he had no prior history of heart problems. However, after nine months of recovery and rehabilitation, James has been given the green light to resume his basketball career.

James' medical journey has been well-documented over the past year. After his cardiac arrest, he underwent a series of tests and procedures to determine the cause of his condition. Doctors eventually diagnosed him with a congenital heart defect known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

HCM is a condition in which the heart muscle is thickened and enlarged. This can make it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

In James' case, the HCM was caused by a genetic mutation. This means that he was born with the condition, although he did not develop any symptoms until he suffered a cardiac arrest.

After undergoing surgery to repair his HCM, James began an intensive rehabilitation program. He worked closely with a team of doctors, physical therapists, and athletic trainers to gradually regain his strength and fitness.

James' rehabilitation included a variety of exercises, including cardiovascular training, weightlifting, and basketball drills. He also underwent regular echocardiograms to monitor his heart's function.

James' return to basketball has been a gradual process. He began practicing with his USC teammates in January, and he played in his first game in February. He has since played in several games, and he has been gradually increasing his minutes.

James has said that he is feeling good and that he is excited to be back on the court. He is expected to be a key player for USC this season, and he is also expected to be a high draft pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Bronny James has the potential to be a special player in the NBA. He has the size, athleticism, and skill to be a successful player at the highest level. He also has the drive and determination to succeed.

James' medical journey has been a challenging one, but he has overcome adversity and emerged stronger than ever. He is an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, and he is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.