Bronny James’ Cardiac Arrest Caused By A Congenital Heart Defect: ‘We Are Very Confident In Bronny’s Full Recovery’

A spokesperson for the James family has shared what caused Bronny James to go into cardiac arrest in July. Following medical evaluation over the past few weeks, the 18-year-old has 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,” Stephanie Rosa, a spokesperson for the James Family Foundation, said in a statement.

“It is an anatomically and functionally significant Congenital Heart Defect which can and will be treated,” she said. “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 was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after he collapsed during basketball practice at the University of Southern California’s Galen Center on July 24. The 18-year-old was released three days later and seen dining out with his family the next evening. According to the Associated Press, doctors at the Mayo Clinic and Atlantic Health-Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey examined him.

According to the news outlet, James did not join the USC Trojans on their European tour this month. The men’s basketball team went on a 10-day exhibition tour to Greece and Croatia from Aug. 5-15.

The basketball player came out supporting USC during its first football game of the season. James attended the game alongside fellow members of the basketball team.