The San Antonio Spurs received some great news Wednesday as it announced forward LaMarcus Aldridge has been cleared by doctors to resume basketball activities. The five-time All-Star was sidelined four days ago by a heart condition called “minor heart arrhythmia.”

“We are thankful that LaMarcus will be able to rejoin the team,” San Antonio Spurs general manager RC Buford said. According to the team announcement, the Spurs’ medical staff led a process that included multiple tests and examinations on LaMarcus Aldridge, as well as consultations with numerous field experts.

According to the San Antonio Express News, while LaMarcus Aldridge has had to deal with heart issues in the past, this most recent bout has been ongoing for most of the season. “Being a consummate pro, he was able to do everything that was necessary to bring this to some sort of conclusion – and that wasn’t easy,” San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.

As noted by USA Today, back in his rookie season, LaMarcus Aldridge was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome – a condition in which an extra electrical pathway between the heart’s upper and lower chambers causes rapid heartbeat. Aldridge then had another recurrence in 2011. According to the San Antonio Spurs’ spokesman, the recent ailment was not related to previous incidents.

Prior to getting hurt, LaMarcus Aldridge had been averaging 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds two assists and 1.1 blocks for the 52-14 San Antonio Spurs. His return immediately solidifies the team’s status as Western Conference favorites, with the Golden State Warriors currently struggling with the absence of injured All-Star Kevin Durant. The Spurs are currently a half-game behind the Warriors for the best record in the league and the top seed in the Western Conference. LaMarcus Aldridge was sidelined with minor heart arrhythmia just four days before the announcement of his return was made.

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