Gilbert Arenas’ son, Alijah, is out of his coma and has shown ‘significant signs of progress’ after a major car crash set his Tesla Cybertruck on fire.
The rising basketball star, 18, was placed into an induced coma on Thursday, but his family provided a hugely positive update the following day.
In a statement shared with ESPN’s Shams Charania, his family said that he remains intubated after his health progressed over the last 24 hours.
‘Although he remains intubated, this progress marks a critical step forward in his recovery,’ the statement reads.
‘His mother, Laura Govan Father, Gilbert Arenas, siblings and family have been by his side every step of the way, holding onto faith and drawing strength from the prayers and love pouring in from around the world.’
As relayed in the statement, one of the Good Samaritans who rescued Alijah from the burning car said they heard ‘banging on the car window, but I couldn’t see anything because the smoke was so thick.
Alijah is the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, and is following in his basketball foosteps
Alijah is a prestigious high school basketball player and son of former NBA star Gilbert
Alijah Arenas seen on the court during the 48th Annual McDonald’s All-American Game
‘That’s when I realized someone was inside. I tried to break the window, but it wouldn’t give. Then I saw one of the windows was cracked just enough and we used everything we had to bend it and pull him out. The car was on fire. We just knew we had to get him out.’
Alijah’s family added: ‘This act of courage, along with Alijah’s incredible will to survive, has been nothing short of miraculous. The family continues to ask for the public’s prayers and support as their miracle baby fights his way back to a full recovery.
‘They remain deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by his medical team and the overwhelming love and encouragement from the community.’
Alijah’s family said he later opened his eyes and wrote on a piece of paper: ‘Did anyone get hurt?’ The accident was a single-car collision.
The crash left the teen lying face down in a puddle of water after his vehicle barreled over a fire hydrant.
However, Charania later reported that he had not broken any bones in the accident, while the LAPD said he was in stable condition.
The three-time All-Star is known for his time with the Wizards, where he was one of the league’s best scorers
Arenas, 43, is seen talking to his son during halftime of a basketball game in March 2024
According to TMZ, responders reportedly arrived to the scene at 4:55am, with the front of the car on fire.
Many in the basketball community took to social media to offer their prayers and well-wishes to the teenager, including former NBA players Evan Turner and Jonas Jerebko.
The son of three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert, Alijah is a five-star basketball prospect committed to play at USC next season.
He played in the McDonald’s All-American Game – which features the top prospects in the country – earlier this month on April 1.
His father, nicknamed ‘Agent Zero,’ was a three-time All-Star for the Wizards, as he averaged 25 points per game in 357 games for the franchise.
While he was traded to the Magic in 2010, he ended his time in Washington at 10th in the franchise’s all-time scoring charts and sixth in steals.
The ex-NBA star has five total children – including four with his ex-partner Laura Govan: daughter Izela, 19, Alijah, 18, daughter Hamiley, 14, and son Aloni, 13.
Arenas also had a daughter, Gia, with his ex-girlfriend Lindsay Faulk. She is 10 years old.
