Hailey Tran
Bronny James, the eldest son of basketball legend LeBron James, suffered cardiac arrest during a USC practice session in July 2023. The 18-year-old was rushed to the hospital, where he remained for three days before being released. Bronny's cardiac arrest was caused by a congenital heart defect, which required surgery. After his recovery, Bronny made history as the first player to compete alongside his father in an NBA game when he joined the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2024-25 season. Despite the life-threatening incident, Bronny persevered and made a successful return to basketball, showcasing his determination and love for the sport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of cardiac arrest | 24 July 2023 |
| Cause of cardiac arrest | Congenital heart defect |
| Hospitalised for | 3 days |
| Surgery undergone | Yes |
| Released from hospital | 27 July 2023 |
| Cleared to resume basketball | 30 November 2023 |
| USC debut | 10 December 2023 |
| Current health status | Stable |
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What You'll Learn
Bronny James suffered cardiac arrest during a USC practice session
On July 24, 2023, at around 9:26 a.m. PDT, American basketball player Bronny James suffered cardiac arrest during a USC Trojans basketball team practice session at the Galen Center. James, the son of NBA star LeBron James, was hospitalized and in a stable condition the following day.
James underwent surgery after doctors determined that his cardiac arrest was caused by a congenital heart defect. He spent three days in the hospital and was released on July 27. The 18-year-old freshman is ranked 20th in the 2023 ESPN 100 rankings.
Following his recovery, James made his collegiate debut for the Trojans on December 10, 2023. He finished the game with four points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block. On December 30, he scored a career-high 15 points in a road loss against Oregon State. James appeared in 25 of USC's final games, starting six, and averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19.3 minutes.
In a Men's Health magazine cover story, James opened up about the impact of the incident on his life, stating that he considered whether his basketball career might be over. He also mentioned having to adjust to a new normal, which included performing breathing exercises and taking heart medications. Despite the challenges, James persevered and went on to play alongside his father for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2024-25 NBA preseason, making history as the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game.
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He was released from hospital after three days
Bronny James, the eldest son of basketball legend LeBron James, was released from the hospital after three days following his cardiac arrest during a USC practice session. The young basketball phenom, who was just 18 at the time, suffered a terrifying medical emergency when he collapsed on the court due to a congenital heart defect. The incident occurred on July 24, 2023, and James spent critical time in the ICU before his condition stabilized.
James' hospitalization sent shockwaves through the sports world, with well-known figures like former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III urging the public to pray for his recovery. The outpouring of support and concern underscored the impact James had already made in the basketball community, even at such a young age.
During his three days in the hospital, James received treatment and monitoring for his condition. The medical staff's swift response and expertise played a crucial role in stabilizing his health and ensuring his release from the hospital on July 27, just a few days after his collapse.
The episode marked a significant setback for James, who had to confront the possibility that his promising basketball career might be in jeopardy. In the months following his release, James embarked on a challenging journey of recovery and rehabilitation, working diligently to regain his strength and return to the court.
James' resilience and determination shone through as he tackled the physical and emotional aftermath of his cardiac arrest. He opened up about the impact of the incident, sharing that his days weren't the same and that he had to focus on getting back to his previous form. The experience served as a total reset, as he described it, requiring him to adopt new routines and even make use of a heart pillow during coughing fits.
Despite the challenges, James' release from the hospital marked the beginning of his road back to basketball. With the support of his family and medical professionals, he was able to resume his collegiate basketball career, making his USC debut on December 10, 2023, less than five months after his health scare.
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Bronny James underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect
Bronny James, the eldest child of basketball star LeBron James, underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect. The defect caused Bronny to suffer cardiac arrest during a USC practice session at the Galen Center on July 24, 2023. He was hospitalized for three days following the incident and was released on July 27.
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common type of birth defect and can affect the structure and function of the heart. They can range from mild cases, such as a small hole in the heart, to severe cases, such as missing or poorly formed parts of the heart. In Bronny's case, the defect was described as "anatomically and functionally significant," but treatable.
Following his surgery, Bronny made a full recovery and was cleared to resume basketball activities on November 30, 2023. He made his collegiate debut for the USC Trojans on December 10, 2023, less than five months after his cardiac arrest. He finished the game with four points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block.
Despite his impressive recovery, Bronny admitted that the incident changed his life. He shared that he initially considered whether his basketball career might be over and that he had to work hard to get back into shape. He also experienced various aftereffects, such as the need for heart medication and breathing exercises.
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He returned to basketball five months after his hospitalisation
Bronny James, the eldest son of basketball legend LeBron James, suffered a cardiac arrest during a USC practice session on July 24, 2023. He was hospitalized for three days and underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect. Just five months later, Bronny made a remarkable return to the basketball court.
On December 10, 2023, Bronny, a highly touted college basketball player, made his collegiate debut for the USC Trojans. In his debut, he showcased his all-around skills with four points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block. This marked a significant milestone in his recovery journey, proving his resilience and determination to pursue his basketball dreams.
Bronny's return to basketball didn't stop there. After a successful collegiate season, he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft. This decision was influenced by the opportunity to develop further in the G League. On October 6, 2024, Bronny made history when he and his father, LeBron James, became the first active father-son duo to play together in an NBA game. This game was a preseason matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which the Lakers won 110-103.
While Bronny's return to basketball was impressive, he acknowledged that his life had changed significantly due to the cardiac arrest. In an interview with Men's Health magazine, he shared his emotions and the challenges he faced during his recovery. Bronny also mentioned the impact of the incident on his daily routines, including the need for breathing exercises and heart medication. Despite these challenges, he persevered and continued to develop as a basketball player, averaging 2.3 points, 0.8 assists, and 0.7 rebounds in his first NBA season.
Bronny James' return to basketball after his hospitalization showcases his tenacity, dedication, and love for the sport. His journey serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that setbacks can be overcome with hard work and a resilient spirit.
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Bronny James is open about the after-effects of his heart defect
Bronny James, the eldest child of basketball legend LeBron James, suffered cardiac arrest during a USC offseason workout on July 24, 2023. The likely cause of the incident was later determined to be a congenital heart defect. James was hospitalized for three days before being discharged on July 27.
In a rare glimpse into his personal life, James opened up about the after-effects of his heart condition and how it has impacted his life. In an interview with Men's Health magazine, James revealed that he had to consider the possibility of his basketball career coming to an end. He described experiencing a range of emotions and having to reset his routines to get back into shape. James also mentioned the practical steps he had to take, such as performing breathing exercises and taking heart medication. He even shared a tip he learned about using a heart pillow to reduce discomfort when coughing.
James's honesty about his health has provided valuable insights into the challenges he faced during his recovery. His willingness to share his experiences has shed light on the impact of cardiac issues on athletes' careers and personal lives. While James has made a remarkable return to the basketball court, he acknowledges that his days aren't the same as before. He continues to work towards regaining his previous form and adapting to a new normal.
The specific type of congenital heart defect (CHD) that James was diagnosed with has not been disclosed. CHDs are broadly defined as abnormalities in heart structure that are present from birth, resulting from the heart or nearby blood vessels not developing normally. While the causes of most CHDs are unknown, some can be inherited. In adults, CHDs can lead to various complications, even after successful treatment. These complications may include arrhythmias, endocarditis, stroke, pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure.
James's openness about his experience has not only raised awareness about CHDs but also highlighted the importance of comprehensive health evaluations and tailored treatment plans. His journey serves as a reminder that cardiac health is a serious concern for athletes, and proper management is crucial for their well-being and continued participation in their sport.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Bronny James was released from the hospital on July 27, 2023, three days after he was admitted for cardiac arrest.
Bronny James' cardiac arrest was caused by a congenital heart defect.
Bronny James has admitted that the incident changed his life. He considered whether his basketball career might be over and had to adapt to a "new normal". He also had to take heart medication and use a heart pillow.
