NBA Star's Son Endures Tragic Injury Months After Cybertruck Survival

A Young Star Faces New Challenges

Alijah Arenas, a highly anticipated five-star recruit for the University of Southern California (USC), has faced yet another devastating health setback. This latest injury adds to the string of challenges he has endured, including a severe car accident that left him in a medically induced coma just months ago.

Arenas, the son of three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, was driving his Tesla Cybertruck when it collided with a fire hydrant and a tree. The incident occurred after the vehicle's keypad and steering wheel stopped responding, causing him to lose control. The crash was a shocking event that captured the attention of the basketball community, with many expressing concern and support for the young athlete.

Angel Reese, a prominent figure in women's basketball, led prayers for Arenas during this difficult time. The incident highlighted the importance of safety and the potential dangers associated with technology-driven vehicles.

A Recent Setback

Now, four months after the traumatic crash, Arenas has reportedly suffered a torn meniscus, which is expected to keep him out of action for at least 6 to 8 months. This latest injury could potentially force him to miss the entire 2025-26 college basketball season, despite being cleared to play only two weeks ago.

The news comes as a blow to Arenas and his team, who had been looking forward to his return to the court. The 18-year-old shooting guard had expressed excitement about rejoining his teammates at USC, stating that he had been working hard to regain his strength and confidence.

The Incident That Changed Everything

On April 24, Arenas was driving home from shooting practice when he lost control of his Cybertruck and veered off the road. During a press conference, he described the events leading up to the crash. "I switched lanes without meaning to, and I knew something was wrong," he recalled. "Next thing you know, I can’t get back to the left lane."

As he attempted to pull over, a car approached him, prompting him to speed up to avoid a collision. However, he found himself unable to stop, with the steering wheel unresponsive. The result was a hard collision that left him in and out of consciousness, with the passenger side of his dashboard catching fire.

Despite his efforts to escape the burning vehicle, Arenas struggled to open the door due to the digital key not functioning properly. For nearly 10 minutes, he tried to break free, eventually managing to shatter the driver's side window. "I went into panic mode, instinctively, checked my surroundings," he said. "I couldn’t see outside the car because of all the fog."

Recovery and Reflection

Following the crash, Arenas spent six days in the hospital but miraculously emerged with no major injuries. He took full responsibility for the incident, stating, "Honestly, I take full responsibility for the crash, whether it was me, another car, a malfunction." He emphasized his commitment to not putting others in harm's way, regardless of the cause.

Before his recent injury, Arenas had spoken positively about his recovery and readiness to return to the team. "I’ve been good," he said. "I’ve been really getting back into it, especially where I was to where I am now. I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better. And then especially seeing my teammates, it’s really motivated me a lot to push forward and to keep up with the team."

Looking Ahead

As Arenas faces the challenge of recovering from his latest injury, the support from the basketball community remains strong. His journey highlights the resilience required to overcome adversity, both on and off the court. With determination and the backing of his teammates, there is hope that he will soon be back in action, ready to contribute to USC's success.