When his son, Southern California freshman guard Bronny James, makes his debut for the Trojans, Los Angeles Lakers player LeBron James says he would skip his team’s game.

Bronny James suffered cardiac arrest while working out with his Trojans teammates in July and underwent surgery to address a congenital heart abnormality. He was allowed to play on Thursday, will begin practicing next week, and may play in games “soon after.”

“Whenever he’s cleared and ready to play his first game, I’ve 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 after a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. “Family comes first… But I’m looking forward to seeing Bronny’s first game when he’s cleared and ready.”

It is unknown when Bronny James will make his debut for USC, which has a 5-2 record to open the 2023 season.

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

“Our family is very excited for Bronny. And also for USC. “He’s been working on it for the last 12 weeks,” LeBron James explained. “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.”