Congenital heart defect revealed as cause of Bronny James' cardiac arrest

The James family has revealed the cause of USC guard Bronny James’ cardiac arrest. James was taken to the hospital after suffering the cardiac arrest during a workout on campus last month.

A congenital heart defect is the “probable cause” of the cardiac arrest, the family said in a statement. It is treatable, and James’ family said the goal is to get him back on the court in the “very near future” once he recovers.

“After a comprehensive initial evaluation at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center led by Dr. Merije Cukumerije 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,” the statement read. “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. We will continue to provide updates to media and respectfully reiterate the family’s request for privacy.”

James — the son of NBA great LeBron James — went into cardiac arrest during a workout at USC on July 24. He was discharged from the hospital shortly thereafter after arriving conscious and stable.

Bronny James was a four-star recruit out of Sierra Canyon (CA) and came in as the No. 25 overall prospect in the nation from the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, an equally weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 was the only service to rank James as a five-star as he came in as the No. 11-ranked player in the On3 player rankings.

News of what caused James’ cardiac arrest came one day after USC head coach Andy Enfield expressed his confidence his freshman guard would be back on the court. He told Stadium’s Jeff Goodman the hope is to have him back playing “at some point” during the 2023-24 campaign.

“Bronny was playing extremely well before the issue. Our top concern is his health. We’re hopeful that he will be on the court at some point this season,” Enfield said.

James arrived on USC’s campus in June as the Trojans got ready for summer workouts, and the team announced he’ll wear No. 6. USC is making its final preparations for the 2023-24 season, which is set to begin in November.

On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this report.