CHICAGO -- In the aftermath of his cardiac arrest and a procedure to repair a congenital heart defect nine months ago, the NBA's Fitness to Play Panel has medically cleared USC's Bronny James to be drafted and play in the league, sources told ESPN.
The NBA plans to inform teams Monday that the panel's three physicians evaluated and approved James, sources said, allowing him to fully participate in this week's pre-draft combine -- an important step to make a case to team executives about his viability as a 2024 draft prospect.
Sources said James -- the son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James -- is expected to take part in the combine's 5-on-5 scrimmage games beginning Tuesday, which will give NBA executives a closer examination of James after a disappointing freshman season at USC.