USC freshman Bronny James, son of NBA star LeBron James, available and expected

USC freshman Bronny James, Lakers star LeBron James’ oldest son, has been cleared to play and is officially available to see action in his first game Sunday, the Trojans announced before their game vs. Long Beach State. 

USC coach Andy Enfield told reporters Thursday he expected James to make his collegiate debut after James participated in his first full-contact practice after going into cardiac arrest during a preseason workout in late July.

James was a limited participant during USC’s earlier practice this week.

USC is off to a 5-3 start this season without James heading into Sunday’s home game vs. Long Beach State, but will likely face a restriction on how many minutes he will play. 

“Everybody’s excited to see Bronny on the court,” Enfield said earlier this week. “The fans, teammates, everybody around our program and university. Bronny’s done a great job of mentally and physically getting back to this point and I think he’s very anxious to get back full-time playing. We’re excited to watch him play.”

The Trojans will face the 49ers at 1:30 p.m. Sunday and can bee seen on Pac-12 Network and streaming live on Fubo (Try for free — For a limited time, new subscribers can save $20 on Fubo’s Pro, Elite and Premier plans.)

James’ return to practice came after he was cleared by USC doctors a few days after he was cleared by his own doctors late last week. 

“Bronny James is now cleared by his doctors for a full return to basketball,” a James family spokesperson said in a statement. “Bronny will have a final evaluation with USC staff this week, resume practice next week, and return to games soon after. The James family would like to express their gratitude to the incredible medical team, the entire USC community, and especially the countless friends, family, and fans for their love and support. Fight On!”

James was hospitalized in July after going into cardiac arrest during a summer workout with the Trojans. In August, doctors determined a congenital heart defect was the cause of the cardiac episode.

“After a comprehensive initial evaluation at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center led by Dr. Merije Chukumerije and follow-up evaluations at the Mayo Clinic led by Dr. Michael J. Ackerman and Atlantic Health/Morristown Medical Center led by Dr. Matthew W. Martinez, the probable cause of Mr. James’ sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) has been identified,” the family said in a statement obtained by CBS Sports. “It is an anatomically and functionally significant Congenital Heart Defect which can and will be treated.”

James is considered the perfect role player for the Trojans that can complement Boogie Ellis and Isaiah Collier in the backcourt because of his high basketball IQ and his willingness to be unselfish. James is very active on the defensive end and he is the kind of player that can impact winning when the game matters come March.

Where is Bronny’s…