Massive Bronny James update brings holiday cheer for USC

The latest news is perhaps the most positive update in a string of good signs pointing toward the 19-year-old's return to action.

James suffered cardiac arrest during a July practice with the Trojans and was rushed to the ICU of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, sending shock waves throughout the sports world.

The teenager's father (NBA superstar LeBron James) said in October that his oldest son was "doing well" and "on the up and up," and the hope was that he'd still suit up for USC this season. After the Los Angeles Lakers' season-opener in early November, LBJ said that Bronny would get checked at the end of the month and, if he were to get cleared, would practice with the intention to play this season.

King James will turn 39 on Dec. 30 and has been saying in recent years that he plans to stay in the league until he can share an NBA court with Bronny. During his approach to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time scoring record last winter, the four-time MVP even said that he planned to play for "at least a few more years."

The four-star recruit will first be draft-eligible in 2024.

The Trojans are off to a 5-2 start this fall and play No. 11 Gonzaga on Saturday. USC hosts Long Beach State on Dec. 10 before playing Auburn on Dec. 17 on the road.

According to a report by ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk, the guard has "recently been participating with the team in pregame warmups on the court." The first time he warmed up with the Trojans was prior to the team's 81-70 win against Brown on Nov. 19, per Youngmisuk.