UPDATE: 5/2/25 at 1:47 p.m. ET — Alijah Arenas is home from the hospital less than one week after he crashed his cybertruck, his family said in a statement to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“We are grateful to share that Alijah Arenas has been released from the hospital and is now resting comfortably under close watch,” the statement read. “While his journey to full recovery is just beginning, his spirit remains strong, and he is surrounded by love and support.
“The Govan and Arenas family are preparing for the road ahead with faith and determination, committed to nurturing Alijah back to 100 percent. He remains blessed, resilient, and in high spirits.”
Alijah’s family asked for privacy as they continue to “focus fully on Alijah’s healing and well-being.”
Original story below:
Gilbert Arenas’ son Alijah Arenas is showing signs of recovery after his cybertruck was involved in an accident.
After the Chatsworth High School basketball player — who was committed to play the sport at the University of Southern California — was hospitalized and put into a medically induced coma after the crash, his family offered a hopeful update on his condition.
“In a remarkable and hopeful development, Alijah has come out of his coma and has shown significant signs of progress within the last 24 hours,” his family said in a statement to Us Weekly on Friday, April 25. “In a powerful and emotional moment, Alijah opened his eyes and was able to write on a piece of paper that he remembered the smoke and asked, ‘Did anyone get hurt?’”
Although he remains intubated, Alijah’s family believes “this progress marks a critical step forward in his recovery.”
“They remain deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by his medical team and the overwhelming love and encouragement from the community,” the statement continued. “Further updates will be shared as Alijah continues to heal.”
Alijah’s injuries come after he was involved in a car accident in the early hours of Thursday, April 24.
“LAPD responded to a single vehicle traffic collision at 4:56 am in the 7900 block of Corbin Ave,” the Los Angeles Police Department shared in a statement via X on Thursday. “A vehicle struck a tree and fire hydrant. An 18-year-old man was transported to the hospital in stable condition. At this time, no additional information is available.”
USC basketball head coach Eric Musselman seemingly confirmed Alijah, 18, was involved in the accident when he asked fans to pray for the athlete.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Alijah and his family following this morning’s accident,” Musselman, 60, wrote via X on Thursday. “Please keep him, his teammates and friends, and the entire Arenas family in your prayers.”
Alijah is a five-star recruit who committed to USC earlier this year. He averaged 31 points per game and was already grabbing the attention of brands for possible sponsorship deals.
— Eric Musselman (@EricPMusselman) April 24, 2025
While Alijah’s dad is a basketball star of his own after becoming a NBA All-Star three times, his mom also found success as a reality star.
When not cheering on her son at games, Laura Govan appeared on VH1’s Basketball Wives for several seasons and continues to document her life on social media.
“Although A MOM FIRST – Head Coach 15U My First LoVe & Passion #Coaching #Playing Ball,” she wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, April 22. “BasketBall Has Been My First LoVe it’d How I Ran My Household It Gave Me My Life My Experience My First Joy n My First Heart Break… N Now Having Trained My Kids N Coaching Them Is My Happy Place.”
Days after sharing her love for the sport, Govan, 45, was asking her followers for prayers as her son fought to recover from an accident.
“I NEED ALL YOUR F***EN PRAYERS,” she wrote via Instagram on Thursday.
She quickly received them from Viola Davis, USC alum Allyson Felix and her Basketball Wives costars including Jackie Christie and Jennifer Williams.
“We’re all praying and will keep lifting him up in prayer” Basketball Wives star Brandi Maxiell wrote in the comments section. “He’s already covered and healed, Laura!!! God’s got him! 🙏🏾🙏🏾.”
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