Los Angeles Lakers’ Bronny James Gets ‘Sick Easier Now’ After Suffering Cardiac Arrest

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, the son of NBA legend LeBron James, suffered a cardiac arrest two years ago at USC because of a congenital heart defect.

Bronny told NBA reporter Dave McMenamin of ESPN that he gets “sick easier now” after his cardiac arrest.

“I get kind of sick easier now,” Bronny James said. “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.”

Bronny played in six games for the Lakers this summer. He averaged 11.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.2 blocks while shooting 44.4% from the field, 29.6% from beyond the arc and 81.3% from the free-throw line.

Bronny split time between the Lakers and South Bay Lakers last season. He averaged 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.3 blocks in the G League while shooting 38.0% from beyond the arc. 

Bronny’s best game in the NBA was against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 20 in Los Angeles. He had 17 points and five assists in 29 minutes while shooting 70.0% from the field and 50.0% from beyond the arc. 

“My confidence level is, for sure, taking a leap,” Bronny told ESPN.

It will be fascinating to see if Bronny plays more for the Lakers next season. LeBron’s son only played in 27 NBA games last season.

“The biggest thing for Bronny is that he has to get in elite shape,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick told ESPN. “That’s the barrier of entry for him right now. And if he does that, I think he’s got a chance to be a really fantastic player in the NBA.”