LeBron James would miss Lakers game for Bronny’s USC debut

OKLAHOMA CITY — For LeBron James, it’s family over everything.

So if the Lakers star faces the situation of his oldest son Bronny’s looming college basketball debut for USC happening on the same day as a Lakers game, James has made it clear that the Lakers will have to be without his presence for at least one game.

“Looking forward to his first game whenever he’s cleared and ready to have his first game – I already told my teammates that if they play on the same day we’re playing, I’m going to have to catch them the next game,” James said at his locker following Thursday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. “Family over everything… got to see Bronny’s first game whenever he’s cleared and ready to go.”

Before the Lakers’ 133-110 loss to the Thunder, James and his family shared positive news when it was announced that Bronny was cleared by doctors for a “full return to basketball” with the Trojans.

Bronny, a 19-year-old freshman, suffered a cardiac arrest during a team workout in late July. He had successful surgery to repair what a James family spokesperson said was likely a congenital heart defect.

James said Bronny’s return to basketball is a “proud moment”.

“Big-time excitement from our family for Bronny,” James said. “And for USC as well. It’s something that he’s been working towards for the last 12 weeks. And for him to get the clearance to do what he loves to do and go back to being with his teammates and put on a uniform and things of that nature, it’s pretty gratifying for sure.

James credited Bronny’s approach to rehab, the doctors and their faith for helping Bronny get to this point in his process back to the court.

“You just put it in God’s hands, man, and just trust it,” James said. “That’s it. We prayed as a family. We had great doctors along the way, telling us the whole time that they believe things will work out for us in our favor. And Bronny took care of his business and did everything and didn’t have any setbacks, didn’t try to rush the process of his rehab. He took every step accordingly to plan and for him to get that clearance over the last 48 hours was big time for him.”

James added: “And it’s not like it’s over. We still have to continue to monitor every situation and be responsible and things of that nature, but we just have an opportunity to take a step back from your own personal life and give it all to that individual.”

After Saturday, there are two instances this month in which the Lakers and USC have games on the same day:

Dec. 28: Lakers vs. Hornets; USC at Oregon

Dec. 30: Lakers at Timberwolves; USC at Oregon State

For what it’s worth, USC guard Boogie Ellis said Thursday: “We’re excited, But we’ll be more excited when he’s actually out there with us, playing next week.”

The Trojans’ other games in December are Dec. 10 at home against Long Beach State, Dec. 17 at Auburn and Dec. 19 at Alabama State.

The Lakers and USC play on the same day four times in January:

Jan. 3: Lakers vs. Miami Heat; USC vs. California

Jan. 13: Lakers at Utah Jazz; USC at Colorado

Jan. 17: Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks; USC at Arizona

Jan. 27: Lakers at Golden State Warriors; USC vs. UCLA.