Bronny James returns to the court in USC warm-ups for the first time since being cleared after his cardiac arrest as he shoots three-pointers and dunks before watching from the bench

Bronny James moved one step closer to returning to basketball at USC after participating in warmups on Saturday night.

The 19-year-old was cleared by doctors Thursday for a full return to basketball, four months after he went into cardiac arrest while training at USC.

He has not played since being rushed to hospital on July 25, but a statement from the James family suggested Bronny could soon play for the Trojans again after returning to training next week.

And a source revealed to DailyMail.com that LeBron and his wife Savannah believe “with all their hearts” that their son will return to the hardwood this year.

On Saturday night, he was all smiles as he took the court with his teammates for their 89-76 loss to No. 11 Gonzaga in the Las Vegas Invitational.

Bronny James took part in the USC warm-ups on Saturday for the first time since being cleared

Bronny showed no sign of rust as he made seven straight three-pointers at one point

Bronny showed no sign of rust as he made seven straight three-pointers at one point. He then lit up the crowd as he fled and struck home with one hand.

Bronny was clearly having a good time and then performed an impromptu dance move with assistant coach Kurt Karis on the sidelines.

Bronny then lit up the crowd as he took flight and hit home with one hand

When the game started, Bronny took a seat on the bench in gray USC sweats and stood at the back of the huddle during timeouts.

USC plays its next home game on December 10 against Long Beach State.

That just so happens to coincide with a six-day break for LeBron and the Lakers.

Despite this, LeBron revealed this week that he would choose to miss a Lakers game to watch Bronny's college basketball debut.

The 38-year-old James told ESPN on the same day LA lost to the OKC Thunder: “I already told my teammates that if they play on the same day as us, I'm going to catch them the next game.

'Family above all.'

DailyMail.com exclusively reported earlier this week that LeBron believes Bronny's agreement to return is “the best Christmas gift the family could ask for” … and that his dream of playing against his son in the NBA “is still a is an important goal for both of them'. '.

“LeBron didn't sugarcoat his words about Bronny's basketball future, he was honest, not wishful thinking. The family is determined and, for lack of a better word, believes with all their hearts that Bronny will play for USC this year and come back. on the court and get to a point where he can announce himself for a future NBA Draft.

Bronny then donned his gray USC sweats and sat on the bench to watch his team lose in Vegas

It's still a 'big goal' for LeBron James (left) to play in the NBA with son Bronny (right)

“They've heard nothing but great things from his doctors. The plan is for his health issue to be just that: a moment that was serious, but can be a moment where everyone can move on and he can have a successful career in basketball and in life.

“The dream that LeBron and Bronny want to make come true is to play together or against each other in the NBA. That is still an important goal for both of them.'

The Lakers superstar was naturally elated at the news, as it arrived as an early Christmas gift for the whole family.

“Lebron and the entire family are excited that Bronny will be playing for USC in the coming weeks,” the source added.

“It's something Bronny has been hoping for all along and now that it's getting closer to reality, this is the best Christmas present the family could ever ask for, and Bronny is looking forward to leaving a spectacular mark on it basketball court. to prepare for his continued dreams in the NBA.

“Everything is going well and Bronny is looking forward to meeting and exceeding all the expectations that people have of him and that he sets for himself.”