LeBron James’ trademark chase-down block was recreated by Bronny in his first official basketball match after 5 months of rest due to a mild stroke.Today is the day the NBA takes a break after the In-Season Tournament finals taking place on the morning of December 10, where the Los Angeles Lakers were crowned champions with 7 unbeaten matches and LeBron James won the MVP title.
But instead of celebrating with his teammates in Las Vegas, LeBron immediately boarded a plane to return home for a match he said he would never miss, even if it happened on the same day as an NBA game.
Bronny James and father LeBron James at the USC Trojans game this morning
That special match was the introduction of Bronny James, son of LeBron James in the USC Trojans shirt. This is not only Bronny’s first match competing at the NCAA level but also the return of the boy born in 2004 after suffering a stroke in July.
Bronny was brought off the bench by the USC Trojans coaching staff with limited minutes. He scored 4 points with 1 free throw and 1 3-point shot, along with 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
In addition, Bronny James also had a moment to make his father proud when he performed a quick defensive counter-attack, recreating the beautiful chase-down block that LeBron created as a trademark in the NBA.
Bronny James’s powerful block even though just 5 months ago, he had a cardiac arrest right on the practice field and had to be taken to the emergency room.
“I just want to say one thing: I’m grateful for everything. Many people have helped me to have these moments, my parents, my family members and the Mayo Clinic medical facility.
Not to be missed is the coaching staff and teammates at USC, as well as the personal coaches who have worked with me since day one. I would like to thank everyone,” Bronny James shared quickly after the match.
As for LeBron, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar was very emotional when watching his son stride on the football field, especially after the event that happened in July.
“Basketball wins, loses and sometimes it doesn’t matter. The most important thing is that I defeated myself when I walked on the field today. Dad is proud of you and this gives me more energy,” LeBron shared on social networks.
Bronny James will prioritize improving his physical condition before aiming to compete regularly
There was only one small blip in Bronny James’ return: the USC Trojans did not win. They lost to Long Beach State 79-84 in overtime, receiving their 4th defeat in 9 matches since the beginning of the season.
Talking more about Bronny’s ability to play in the near future, USC head coach Andy Enfield said that the priority right now for LeBron’s son is to regain the feeling of playing and at the same time regain his original physical condition (vs. with before stroke).
After completing this goal, the medical team and the team’s coaching staff will remove the limit on the number of minutes played for Bronny James.