Alijah Arenas Car Accident — Heartbreaking news has emerged as 18-year-old Alijah Arenas, son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas and television personality Laura Govan, has been placed in a medically induced coma following a serious car crash in Los Angeles early Thursday morning.
According to reports from TMZ Sports and ESPN, the crash occurred around 4:55 AM when emergency responders were dispatched to a scene involving a Tesla Cybertruck found heavily damaged and partially on fire. Initial calls reported a “trapped patient,” but officials confirmed that all occupants had exited the vehicle by the time they arrived.
Alijah, a standout high school basketball player and recent University of Southern California (USC) commit, suffered serious injuries, including smoke inhalation, and was transported to a nearby hospital. Due to the severity of his condition, doctors placed him in a medically induced coma.
His mother, Basketball Wives LA star Laura Govan, took to social media in the wake of the accident, posting an emotional plea: “I NEED ALL YOUR [sic] F***EN PRAYERS” to her 1.5 million Instagram followers. The post has since gone viral, with fans and celebrities alike expressing concern and support.
Alijah, considered one of the top basketball recruits in the nation, recently turned down offers from powerhouse programs such as Kentucky, Arizona, Kansas, and Louisville to commit to USC. Earlier this month, he announced a lucrative NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal with Adidas.
Arenas capped off a stellar senior season at Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles, averaging 31 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. He also made headlines in March as a member of the 2025 McDonald’s All-American Game, where he scored 11 points and showcased his elite talent on a national stage.
Gilbert Arenas, who hosts the popular “Gil’s Arena” podcast, canceled Thursday’s episode following news of his son’s accident.
As of now, Alijah’s condition remains critical, and no additional medical updates have been released. Family, friends, and fans across the country are holding out hope for his recovery.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through both the sports and entertainment worlds, with many offering thoughts, prayers, and support for the Arenas-Govan family during this unimaginable time.