Lakers

Bronny James says his days ‘aren’t normal anymore’ following cardiac arrest

Published by
Jason Simpson

As Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James has struggled to find his footing since being picked in the 2024 NBA Draft, some have seemingly forgotten that he suffered a major health scare just over a year ago.

In July of 2023, James suffered a cardiac arrest at the University of Southern California before ever appearing in a game for USC.

While he worked to return from it and was ultimately able to play at USC, get drafted and land with the Lakers, he’s still trying to get back to where he was prior to the medical emergency. He explained recently that his days “aren’t normal anymore.”

“My days aren’t normal anymore,” he told Men’s Health. “I still feel like I’m getting back, I’m getting back to where I was.”

Since James’ health scare came before he ever played in a game at USC, many basketball fans have only ever seen him play in the time since his cardiac arrest.

That’s something worth considering when evaluating his stats at USC, NBA Summer League and in the NBA preseason so far.

Nobody can say for sure what type of player James would be today if it weren’t for his medical emergency, but he isn’t going to let the guessing game get in the way of his progression as a player. He clearly has some room for growth and will need to improve whenever he gets reps, whether they come at the NBA level or in the G League.

The 20-year-old did have a couple of solid Summer League performances this offseason that offered a glimpse into the type of player he could be. Despite a rocky Summer League stint overall, he had a combined 25 points on 10-for-21 shooting over his final two appearances.

While he hasn’t had any performances like that in the preseason, the good news for the youngster is that the Lakers will likely be patient with him after signing him to a four-year deal. The deal does carry a fourth-year team option.

James’ journey has been unique for a number of reasons, and while some feel like he has unfairly benefited from his father’s status, there’s no denying that the rookie has faced plenty of adversity along the way — perhaps more than the average player his age.

Jason Simpson

Jason is a copy writer and editor with experience covering professional sports and current events. He is excited about being a part of the Ahn Fire Digital team.

Published by
Jason Simpson

Recent Posts

Report: NBA GM believed Grizzlies would have had to shop Ja Morant this summer before they fired Taylor Jenkins

Earlier on in the year, long before the Memphis Grizzlies dismissed Taylor Jenkins after he…

9 hours ago

Ja Morant opens up about Grizzlies firing Taylor Jenkins: ‘It’s tough for me’

Guard Ja Morant suited up for the first time since the Memphis Grizzlies fired Taylor…

1 day ago

Tyrese Haliburton on ‘easy decision’ to name SGA MVP: ‘If you took a player poll, I’m sure he would win’

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a compelling case to win this season's MVP…

2 days ago

Report: ‘Early expectation’ is that Clint Capela will sign elsewhere this summer

Big man Clint Capela is in his fifth season playing for the Atlanta Hawks, and…

4 days ago

Stephen A. says LeBron is in his feelings: ‘Could it be because I don’t believe you’re the G.O.A.T.?’

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith claimed on Wednesday that if his confrontation with Los Angeles Lakers…

5 days ago

LeBron James reflects on 2007 Cavs roster that he took to NBA Finals: ‘How is that possible?’

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently reflected on the 2006-07 Cleveland Cavaliers and their…

6 days ago