LeBron James’ Son Bronny Makes Headlines After Surviving Cardiac Arrest at 18 – A Look Back at His Journey in Pictures

Bronny James has been a standout on the basketball court since childhood, influenced by his NBA superstar father, LeBron James. In 2023, he faced a life-threatening challenge but overcame it, creating a memorable moment in sports history with his father.

LeBron James and his wife, Savannah, are proud parents of three children: Bronny, Bryce, and Zhuri. Although they are recognized for their influence in the NBA, they prioritize maintaining a close-knit family life at home.

Their eldest son, Bronny, born on October 6, 2004, has followed in his father’s footsteps, showcasing exceptional talent in basketball. Now 20 years old, he is making headlines like LeBron James. However, his journey has not been without challenges.

A Basketball Star in the Making
From a young age, Bronny James demonstrated his father’s basketball talent. As a standout player for Sierra Canyon High School, he consistently displayed his skills in front of enthusiastic crowds.

One of Bronny’s most memorable moments occurred during a game against his father’s alma mater, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. With LeBron watching from the sidelines, Bronny played a crucial role in securing a dramatic 59-56 victory by making a clutch steal and layup in the final minute.

LeBron’s excitement was evident as he watched his son lead the team to victory. “It was a great day,” LeBron later said. “To see my son play against my former team, and for him to make the biggest play of the game — it was kind of surreal.”

That game, which was the first time LeBron watched one of Bronny’s high school games in person, solidified Bronny’s status as a rising star.

Breaking Barriers at 16
Bronny wasn’t just making an impact on the court; he was also achieving milestones off it. At 16, he became the youngest member of the James family to grace the cover of “Sports Illustrated.”

This was a significant achievement, especially since his father, LeBron, had also been on the same cover years prior—Bronny was six months younger than LeBron at the time of his debut. As excitement around Bronny’s talents increased, his future in basketball appeared boundless. However, just as his career was gaining momentum, he faced an unexpected health scare.

A Shocking Setback at 18
In July 2023, tragedy struck as Bronny prepared to start his college basketball career at the University of Southern California. During a routine practice, the 18-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest, a life-threatening incident that sent shockwaves through the sports world and his fanbase.

Emergency medical personnel responded quickly, administering treatment on-site before transporting Bronny to the hospital, where they stabilized his condition. The incident was classified as a Code 3, highlighting its seriousness, but Bronny was eventually moved out of the ICU as he began to recover.

The James family released a brief statement requesting privacy and expressing gratitude to the medical team for their prompt response. “Bronny is now in stable condition and no longer in ICU,” they announced.
Although the situation was critical, Bronny quickly got back on his feet, showcasing his strength and determination. Before long, he was on the path to returning to his beloved sport.

Returning to the Court After Recovery
Despite the seriousness of his health scare, Bronny’s resilience became evident just a few months later. By December 2023, the young athlete made his much-anticipated return to the court. With his father, LeBron, watching from the stands, Bronny suited up for the University of Southern California’s game against Long Beach State, and fans cheered him on as he stepped onto the court.

Although he missed the first eight games of the season due to his recovery, Bronny proved that his passion for basketball remained strong. His return symbolized perseverance and resilience.

As Bronny received overwhelming support from fans, his father’s reaction was particularly notable. LeBron was seen cheering and clapping, visibly moved by his son’s journey back to the court. It was yet another proud father moment as Bronny made a significant step forward in both his recovery and his basketball career.

Making NBA History with His Father
Bronny’s journey took a historic turn when he and LeBron found themselves on the same court during an NBA game. This unprecedented moment marked the first time a father and son played together in the league, creating a lasting legacy for the James family. The matchup not only celebrated their bond but also highlighted Bronny’s emergence as a rising star in professional basketball. Fans and players alike marveled at the historic significance of the occasion, with LeBron expressing immense pride in sharing the court with his son.

In June 2024, just under a year after his cardiac arrest, Bronny achieved another significant milestone. The talented player was selected in the second round of the NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.

The selection was notable as it brought Bronny to one of the league’s most prestigious franchises, setting the stage for a historic moment. By October, on the opening day of the NBA’s 79th season, Bronny made his NBA debut, and it was far from an ordinary game.

The game marked the first time in NBA history that a father and son played together on the same team. LeBron and Bronny shared the court in a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with LeBron starting and Bronny entering the game with just over four minutes left in the second quarter.

As the two stepped onto the court together, fans at Crypto.com Arena erupted in celebration. LeBron, ever the supportive father, offered his son last-minute advice, encouraging him to “play carefree” and not to stress about mistakes. This heartfelt exchange was captured by a TNT Sports microphone, highlighting the powerful father-son moment.

Although Bronny’s time on the court that night was short—playing about two and a half minutes, missing two shots, and grabbing a rebound—the significance of the moment was felt by everyone.

The Lakers went on to win the game 110-103, with LeBron scoring 16 points. That night, the James family made history, and Bronny established himself not only as LeBron’s son but also as an NBA player in his own right.

Bronny’s journey to the NBA has been extraordinary. At just 20 years old, he has demonstrated his talent, resilience, and determination. From his early days as a high school standout to overcoming a life-threatening cardiac arrest, he has exhibited a strength well beyond his years.

Their relationship transcends the game, embodying what it means to support each other both on and off the court. With Bronny’s story just beginning and LeBron continuing to make history, this father-son duo will undoubtedly keep inspiring many.