The James family – more specifically, LeBron James and Bronny James – is having quite an exciting weekend!
First, on Saturday night, the LA Lakers claimed the inaugural in-season tournament title and LeBron James was named MVP. Next up – Bronny James‘ USC debut after recovering from a cardiac arrest nearly five months ago.
The good news? LeBron doesn’t have to miss a Lakers game to watch his oldest son in action during his exciting debut game.
Bronny James Set To Play In His Debut USC Game Sunday Afternoon
Mega
Bronny, 19, who played for Sierra Canyon in high school, became one of the nation’s best players and a 4-star McDonald’s All-American.
USC head basketball coach Andy Enfield told reporters after Bronny’s first full-contact practice on Thursday that he had a good practice.
“Today was his first day of contact practice. He looked good,” Enfield said. “He has to get his timing back and get in game shape, but I thought today was a good first day.”
Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest on July 24 while practicing with his team. He was rushed to the hospital and released a few days later. Doctors later revealed the cardiac event was caused by a treatable congenital heart defect. He was cleared for a full return to basketball in late November.
“He’s been working out for some time without contact,” Enfield said. “So, he’s been doing cardio, weight training, and some shooting. He’s been able to do individual workouts. We’re happy with his progress.”
Sunday afternoon’s Trojans’ game against Long Beach State is SOLD OUT! The announcement that the game is sold out came just hours after it was announced that freshman guard Bronny would be making his much-anticipated USC debut.
Resale ticket outlets are selling tickets to Sunday’s USC game in price ranges from around $40 to $56,000!
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Fans on Instagram commented about how excited they are for Bronny to make his anticipated USC debut.
“Bronny Effect. Let’s go, young King,” one person wrote. Another added, “Bronny got that place packed!”
LA Lakers Take The Inaugural In-Season Tournament Title Saturday Night!
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Leading up to Sunday’s USC game, LeBron, 38, had an exciting Saturday night as the Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers in the first-ever in-season tournament championship game 123-109. LeBron had 24 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists and was named MVP.
The Lakers went undefeated during the in-season tournament, beating the Phoenix Suns twice, the Memphis Grizzlies, the Portland Trail Blazers, the New Orleans Pelicans, the Utah Jazz, and the Pacers.
MEGA
During the trophy ceremony, LeBron told ESPN’s Malika Andrews that he “nobody can ever top” that the Lakers are the first-ever in-season tournament champions.
“I don’t think it’s even about the MVP. It’s about u coming together to win this thing,” he said. “Records will be broken, but one thing that will never be broken is to be the first to do something. And we’re the first champions of the in-season tournament, and nobody can ever top that, and it’s great to do it with a historical franchise and just a great cast of funny, engaged, competitive men over here.”
LeBron recently announced that if Bronny has his debut game the same day as a Lakers game, he will be missing the Lakers game. With Bronny’s game the day after the in-season tournament finals, LeBron won’t have to miss a Lakers game.
“Whenever he’s cleared and whenever he’s ready to have his first game, I already told my teammates that if they play on the same day we playing, then I’m going to have to catch them next game,” LeBron said. “Family over everything, champs.”
The Lakers are back in action during the regular season on Dec. 12 when they go up against the Dallas Mavericks.
Bronny James’ USC debut takes place Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. ET and can be viewed on FuboTV or Sling.