‘Family Over Everything’: LeBron James Vows To Miss Lakers Game If It Conflicts With Bronny’s Highly Anticipated USC Debut

The younger James is expected to undergo a final medical clearance allowing him to return to practice and in-game play.

The eldest son of basketball great LeBron James has been cleared for playing action just five months after going into cardiac arrest while practicing for his debut with the USC Trojans. With the 19-year-old’s health no longer a concern, the patriarch has made a vow that his responsibility to the Los Angeles Lakers won’t keep him away from Bronny James’s collegiate basketball debut, TMZ reports.

“It’s exciting. I’m looking forward to his first game…I already told my teammates that if they’re playing on the same day we’re playing, then I’m going to catch them the next game,” James said. “Family over everything.”

The younger James is expected to undergo a final medical clearance to return to practice and, before the season’s midpoint, in-game play. Due to scheduling, the USC freshman will likely make his debut on the road rather than at home in Los Angeles, CBS Sports reports. The Lakers and the Trojans have five potential schedule conflicts on Dec. 28 and 30, and Jan. 3, 13, and 17. Still, excitement around the young player’s first appearance as a Trojan has been building in and outside the James residence.

Bronny has been a perennial hoops superstar since high school at Sierra Canyon High and was highly recruited before choosing to remain in Southern California. ESPN reports that the young athlete forewent offers from prestigious athletics programs at Duke University, Ohio State, and others before committing to USC in May. Sports experts predict his younger brother, Bryce, will also enjoy the spoils of the family business as he is ranked amongst the top high school athletes in the country.

Though fans of the James family will likely find the patriarch’s sacrifice endearing, Lakers fans may be worried as the Western Conference team has an 11-9 record and greatly depends on LeBron for their offense’s productivity.