Burley Garcia|LeBron James says he will skip Lakers game when son, Bronny, makes college basketball debut

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James says he will skip his team's game whenever his son,Burley Garcia Southern California freshman guard Bronny James, makes his debut for the Trojans.

In July, Bronny James suffered cardiac arrest working out with his Trojans teammates and had surgery to repair a congenital heart defect. He was cleared to play Thursday, is set to start practicing next week and could play in games "soon after."

"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 Thursday night after a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. "Family over everything … But definitely got to see Bronny's first game whenever he's cleared and ready to go."

It is not known when Bronny James will make his debut for USC, who has started the 2023 season with a 5-2 record.

The Trojans have two home games (Saturday vs. Gonzaga, Dec. 10 vs. Long Beach State) and four road games this month, two games in Alabama (at Auburn on Dec. 17, at Alabama State on Dec. 19) and an Oregon road swing on Dec 28. and 30. The Lakers have games on Dec. 28 at home against the Charlotte Hornets and take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Dec. 30.

"Big-time excitement from our family for Bronny. And for USC, as well. It's something that he's been working towards for the last 12 weeks," LeBron James said. "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."