Bronny James Details Struggles to Stay Healthy After Cardiac Arrest Nearly Derailed his Basketball Career

Los Angeles Lakers star sophomore Bronny James is grateful he can continue playing basketball after a cardiac arrest nearly stopped his dreams.

Bronny James Details Struggles to Stay Healthy After Cardiac Arrest Nearly Derailed his Basketball Career

Bronny James has to carefully manage his body after cardiac arrest (Image via FirstSportz)

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Bronny James has seen it all. He suffered a cardiac arrest, which nearly ended his basketball career. Then came the part of getting drafted to his father LeBron James‘ Los Angeles Lakers, and facing the ridicule that comes along with being the superstar’s son.

Admittedly, he was not ready for the rigors of the NBA, and after their highly publicized father-and-son moment, he was merely a passenger on the bench. Thankfully, he was sent to develop in the G-League. That gave him the coaching, minutes, and reps needed to bring confidence back into his game.

Once the Lakers noticed he was getting into rhythm, they gave him the keys to their offense for that one game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Since then, some impressive performances at this year’s Summer League have contributed to rumors about the Lakers handing him more minutes next season. If that were to happen, it would be a full-circle moment for the 20-year-old.

Knowing this could be the make-or-break season for Bronny James, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin asked the sophomore how he has adapted to the physical demands of the NBA, keeping his cardiac arrest in mind.

I get kind of sick easier now. Which is kind of weird, but I think it messed with my immune system a little bit. So, I would have times where I have to sit out, and that conditioning that I’m working on just goes away in that week of me being out.

Dave McMenamin quoted Bronny James

This means he has to take greater care of his body than before. Unlike his Lakers teammates, the former USC star has to keep in mind that his body is not as immune as it was before. Therefore, he has to work that much harder to stay in top shape.

JJ Redick wants Bronny James to push his boundaries of stamina

The first problem this lack of immunity poses is whenever Bronny James falls sick. Instantly, he loses out on a week’s worth of conditioning. Lakers’ trainers had to keep him out of workouts before the California Classic this year. But that is what head coach JJ Redick wants the youngster to overcome.

He’s cleared… I get that there’s a history there of a really scary thing that he had to live through, and I think it’s tough to push past certain points for him, but he’s going to get there. He’s going to get there.

Dave McMenamin quoted JJ Redick

The soon-to-be 2nd year head coach referenced his former teammate, TJ McConnell, and the Miami Heat’s Davion Mitchell as examples. Redick believes the son of his most important superstar has the qualities to have similar impacts as those two aforementioned players.

All he needs is the stamina to become an elite two-way star. Once he accomplishes that physical requirement, Bronny James has the skills to become a noteworthy star in the league.

Bronny James’ confidence has taken a leap

In the Summer League, one of the standout moments of Bronny James’ skills, along with his improved conditioning, was when he went toe-to-toe with this year’s No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg.

Bronny James and Cooper Flagg's 1st duel was epic
Bronny James and Cooper Flagg’s 1st duel was epic (Image via Open Source/X)

In a game before that showdown, the 20-year-old displayed his improving confidence when he poked the ball out of a Miami Heat player, ran down the length of the court, and threw down a tomahawk dunk. When asked if he would have done it last year, he said:

Last year, I probably would’ve had a little rim grazer, layup type of finish.

Bronny James said

This shows that he is feeling more confident than ever. He acknowledged that his confidence has taken a leap compared to last year, and he is starting to get into the rhythm that made him a McDonald’s All-American.

If this progression continues, expect the 20-year-old Sierra Canyon alum to create a name for himself outside of being a son of probably the greatest basketball player of all time.

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