Bronny James' College Career: From Cardiac Comeback to NBA Bound – The USC Saga of LeBron's Son

By Jocelyn Alano October 05, 2025 21:23

Bronny James, the 6'2" guard and son of NBA legend LeBron James, didn't just play college basketball at USC—he overcame a life-threatening cardiac arrest to carve his own path. From his July 2023 collapse to a 2024 NBA Draft selection by the Lakers (55th overall), Bronny's one-season Trojan tenure averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 24.5 minutes per game across 25 appearances. Amid the hype of his lineage, Bronny's USC journey was a gritty tale of resilience, growth, and quiet confidence, embodying Fan Arch’s mission: empowering athletes to own their narratives beyond the family name. As he adapts to his rookie year with the Lakers (averaging 3.2 PPG in 2025 preseason), here's the full story of Bronny's college chapter.

The Prelude: High School Phenom to Trojan Commit

Born October 6, 2004, in Cleveland, Ohio, Bronny grew up in the Lakers' shadow but forged his game at Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, California. A McDonald's All-American (2023) and Jordan Brand Classic MVP, he averaged 8.8 PPG, 5.1 APG, and 4.8 RPG as a senior, leading Sierra Canyon to a CIF Open Division title. Committing to USC in May 2021—near LeBron's Lakers home—Bronny chose the Trojans over Ohio State and Duquesne for "the right fit," per his announcement. But fate intervened: On July 25, 2023, during an offseason workout, Bronny suffered sudden cardiac arrest, going into full cardiac arrest for two minutes before being revived. Cleared for basketball in November 2023 after a five-month recovery, his debut became a symbol of perseverance.

Freshman Year: Cardiac Comeback and Steady Rise (2023-2024)

Bronny's USC debut came December 10, 2023, vs. Long Beach State—a 84-79 win where he scored 4 points in 19 minutes off the bench. "I'm just happy to be back," he said postgame, his first words echoing the relief of a family and fanbase that rallied with #WeAreBronny. Under coach Andy Enfield, Bronny started 6 of 25 games, averaging 4.8 PPG on 36.6% FG (29.4% 3PT) and 67.3% FT, with 2.8 RPG and 2.1 APG. His 2.1 steals per game highlighted defensive instincts, while 24.5 MPG showed trust in his post-arrest conditioning.

Key highlights:

Season Opener vs. Portland State (Nov 6, 2023): 6 points, 3 assists, 1 steal in 23 minutes—a cautious but confident return in a 86-76 win.
vs. Oregon State (Jan 6, 2024): Career-high 11 points (3-6 FG, 2-3 3PT) in a 72-66 loss, sparking his scoring surge.
UCLA Rivalry (Feb 24, 2024): 10 points, 4 rebounds in a 62-49 loss, holding his own against crosstown foes.
Pac-12 Tournament vs. Washington (Mar 13, 2024): 7 points, 5 assists in a 90-88 OT win, helping USC to the semis.

USC finished 15-18 (8-12 Pac-12), missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009, but Bronny's growth was evident: From sub-30% three-point shooting in December to 40% post-January. His 1.1 steals per game ranked top-20 nationally, and he became the first player in USC history to record 100+ minutes after cardiac arrest. Off-court, NIL deals with Nike and Beats by Dre (valued at $5M+) reflected Fan Arch’s empowerment ethos.

The Draft Decision: Legacy Over Legacy

Declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft on April 5—forgoing eligibility—Bronny balanced workouts with the Lakers, 76ers, and Suns. Selected 55th overall by the Lakers on June 27 (via trade with Wizards), he fulfilled LeBron's dream of father-son play. "This is surreal," Bronny said, hugging his dad courtside. His USC stats (118 points total) drew scrutiny, but scouts praised his 6'5" wingspan, IQ, and defense. In Summer League, he averaged 4.3 PPG, showing flashes amid turnovers.

Legacy: Bronny's USC Chapter – Resilience Redefined

Bronny's 25 games at USC yielded 118 points, 70 rebounds, 53 assists, and 28 steals, but the true measure was his comeback. From hospital bed to Galen Center floor, he proved heart trumps hype. "Bronny's story is bigger than basketball," USC AD Jen Cohen said. For Fan Arch, it's athlete ownership: A kid in LeBron's shadow who scripted his own narrative, one steal at a time. As he logs G-League minutes in 2025 (6.1 PPG with South Bay Lakers), Bronny's college arc inspires: Perseverance pays.