A terrifying early morning accident has left the basketball community rallying behind the family of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas.
According to Daily Mail, 18-year-old Alijah Arenas, a five-star basketball prospect committed to USC, was placed in a medically induced coma after his Tesla Cybertruck crashed and caught fire on a residential Los Angeles street on Thursday morning.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene at 4:55 AM to find the vehicle "mangled" on the roadside with its front end ablaze.
While initially responding to reports of a trapped victim, they discovered Alijah had managed to exit the vehicle before their arrival. Harrowing footage captured the teenager lying face down in a large pool of water after his vehicle struck both a fire hydrant and a nearby tree.
Rising Basketball Star's Promising Future
Alijah Arenas had been making significant strides in his basketball career, following in the footsteps of his famous father. His participation in the prestigious McDonald's All-American Game earlier this month on April 1 highlighted his status as one of the nation's top high school basketball prospects.
The young athlete's commitment to USC had generated considerable excitement about his potential impact on college basketball.
The basketball community has shown tremendous support following news of the accident. Former NBA players Evan Turner and Jonas Jerebko were among many who expressed their concern and offered prayers for Alijah's recovery. CBS college basketball insider Jon Rothstein joined the chorus of well-wishers on social media.
The Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed that despite the severity of the crash, Alijah remains in stable condition. This update has provided some relief to concerned fans and supporters anxiously awaiting news about his status.
Legacy of NBA Legend Gilbert Arenas
Gilbert Arenas, 43, built an impressive NBA career primarily with the Washington Wizards, where he earned the nickname "Agent Zero."
His explosive scoring ability and clutch performances made him one of the league's most exciting players during his prime. As a three-time All-Star, he averaged 25 points per game across 357 games for the Wizards franchise.
The former NBA star's career included notable achievements, such as winning the NBA's Most Improved Player award for the 2002-03 season while playing for the Golden State Warriors. His impact on the Wizards organization remains significant, as he ranks tenth in franchise all-time scoring and sixth in steals.
After being traded to the Orlando Magic in 2010, Arenas concluded his NBA career during the 2011-12 season. His professional basketball journey ended with a final season playing for the Shanghai Sharks in China.
Family Life and Personal Background
Gilbert Arenas has maintained strong family connections throughout his career and post-playing life. The former NBA star is father to five children, including four with his ex-partner Laura Govan: daughter Izela (19), Alijah (18), daughter Hamiley (14), and son Aloni (13). He also has a 10-year-old daughter named Gia from his relationship with ex-girlfriend Lindsay Faulk.
The accident has brought attention to the close-knit nature of the Arenas family, with social media posts showing Alijah's interactions with his siblings. Recent videos captured moments of the teenager dancing with his brothers and sisters, highlighting their strong family bond.
While Gilbert Arenas has not yet made any public statements regarding the accident, the basketball community continues to monitor the situation closely, hoping for positive updates about his son's condition.
Current Status and Recovery Outlook
The early morning crash on Thursday has left Alijah Arenas in a medically induced coma following a severe single-vehicle accident involving his Tesla Cybertruck in Los Angeles.
The incident occurred when his vehicle struck both a fire hydrant and a tree, resulting in significant damage and a fire that emergency responders discovered upon arrival at 4:55 AM.
Despite the serious nature of the crash, the LAPD's confirmation of Alijah's stable condition provides hope for his recovery. The basketball community, including former NBA players and college basketball analysts, continues to offer support and prayers for the USC-bound athlete and his family during this challenging time.