After a harrowing car accident in Los Angeles, Alijah Arenas, 18-year-old son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, is showing signs of improvement. Just one day after being placed in an induced coma following the incident, he has emerged from it, according to family representatives.
While still requiring intubation, his recovery is being described as “remarkable and hopeful.” The accident occurred around 5 a.m. on Thursday when Alijah was traveling in his Tesla Cybertruck.
A statement released by someone who assisted him after the crash paints a vivid picture of the scene:
“I remember hearing banging on the car window, but I couldn’t see anything because the smoke was so thick. 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 promising basketball career is also impacted by this event. He recently committed to play for the USC Trojans’ men’s basketball team and was considered one of the nation’s top-ranked shooting guards in the class of 2026. He accelerated his timeline, reclassifying as a senior to graduate high school in 2025 and begin his college career a year ahead of schedule.
His father, Gilbert Arenas, enjoyed a successful 12-year NBA career, earning three All-Star selections and playing for several teams including:
- Washington Wizards (8 seasons)
- Golden State Warriors (2 seasons)
- Orlando Magic (1 season)
- Memphis Grizzlies (1 season)
