Bronny James, the 19-year-old son of NBA legend LeBron James, has broken his silence about his 2023 cardiac arrest in a candid interview with Men’s Health magazine. The young basketball star reflected on his recovery journey and the impact of the near-death experience.
“I had to do breathing exercises and stuff. It was a total reset,” Bronny said about his recovery. “I have to stay on top of my heart medications, and I got my heart pillow.” He added that although he’s back on the court, his days are far from normal. “I still feel like I’m getting back, getting back to where I was.”
In July 2023, Bronny collapsed during a workout with the University of Southern California team. The incident sent shockwaves through the sports world, leading to his hospitalization. Bronny has since been diagnosed with a significant congenital heart defect. After undergoing surgery in August, he was cleared to return to basketball later in the year.
A Long Road Back for Bronny James
Speaking about the emotional toll of the event, Bronny explained, “There were a whole lot of emotions. At the point when it happened, there were so many unknowns.” Despite these uncertainties, he was determined to get back on track. “I got real on top of my routines to get back to where I was,” he said.
Bronny also reflected on how his mindset has helped him face adversity. “Everything I’ve been through over the years has prepared me for this,” he said. “I feel like any situation trying to hold me back, I can sustain my belief in myself to keep going.”
Family Support
LeBron and Savannah James have been open about their fear during Bronny’s health scare. “I think at the end of the day, it was just about us supporting each other,” Savannah said in a Netflix docuseries. LeBron expressed gratitude to the medical team, saying, “Shout out to the man above and the whole coaching staff, training staff, and program members.”
Now, Bronny is focused on his future, making history as he plays alongside his father with the Los Angeles Lakers.