Alijah Arenas has emerged from his medically induced coma and is showing signs of improvement, according to an update shared by NBA insider Shams Charania on social media.
The high school basketball star was hospitalized following a severe car crash early Thursday morning in Los Angeles.
Arenas, 18, had been intubated and placed in a coma for several days as he underwent treatment for injuries sustained when his Tesla Cybertruck struck a tree and a fire hydrant before catching fire.
In a statement released by his family, they confirmed that Alijah regained consciousness and was able to communicate for the first time since the accident.
According to the family, one of Arenas’ first actions after waking was to write on a piece of paper asking, “Did anyone get hurt?”—a detail they described as both emotional and powerful.
Though still intubated, doctors have noted encouraging signs in his recovery, and his condition continues to be monitored closely.
The crash, which occurred around 4:55 a.m., was responded to by Los Angeles Fire Department crews who found the vehicle on fire and the teenage driver already out of the wreck.
An eyewitness involved in the rescue described the intense smoke and the urgency of pulling Arenas out before flames engulfed the vehicle completely.
“I remember hearing banging on the car window, but I couldn’t see anything because the smoke was so thick,” the witness said.
Despite initial fears, Arenas was found to have no broken bones, a fortunate outcome given the severity of the incident.
His parents, Laura Govan and former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, along with his siblings, have remained by his side at the hospital.
They expressed deep gratitude to the medical team, the individual who rescued Alijah, and the outpouring of prayers and support received from across the country.
The family has asked for continued prayers and emphasized that future updates on his progress will be shared as appropriate.
The incident has drawn national attention, given Arenas’ growing profile as a top basketball prospect and the son of a former NBA star.
Authorities have not released any additional details regarding the cause of the crash or whether any other vehicles were involved.
At present, the focus remains on Arenas’ ongoing recovery and his road back to full health.
