During the Los Angeles Lakers’ practice session on Tuesday, LeBron James reflected on the frightening heart scare that his son, Bronny James, experienced last summer. Bronny, a promising basketball prospect, suffered a cardiac arrest during a USC practice session, an incident that shook the James family and the basketball community.

LeBron recounted the emotional journey, particularly the resilience Bronny showed in the face of adversity. “Obviously we had a moment when he got drafted. We all got an opportunity to be together as a family in New York – He was drafted by the Lakers. We had a moment there thinking about not too long ago when the scare happened. When he’s able to grace the NBA floor – if that is tonight or whenever the case may be, it will be another one of those moments, just to know that adversity he went through,” LeBron said.

Bronny James, drafted by the Lakers as the 55th overall pick, is expected to make his NBA debut soon, with speculation that it could come in the Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The possibility of LeBron and Bronny playing together on the same court has generated significant excitement across the league.

LeBron reveals Bronny's unwavering determination to return to basketball after heart surgery

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Jan 24, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) holds the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Lakers rumors: The 2 big men L.A. checked on last season before failed Mark Williams tradeJaren Kawada ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic poses for photos with general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick at UCLA Health Training Center.
Lakers rumors: Luka Doncic still ‘motivated’ by stunning Mavericks tradeJoey Mistretta ·
image thumbnail
Lakers rumors: Where Austin Reaves, L.A. stand after rejected contract offerOwen Crisafulli ·
Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena with Jason Richardson in the background
LeBron James retirement timetable gets big update ahead of free agencyZachary Draves ·
Nike Kobe FC Barcelona, Nike Air Force 1, Kobe Air Force 1, Nike Kobe Barcelona
Kobe Bryant x FC Barcelona x Nike Air Force 1 first lookDominik Zawartko ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) inbound the ball in the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers make final Bronny James Summer League decisionJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up with guard Bronny James (9) before the preseason game against the Golden State Warriors at T-Mobile Arena.
© Candice Ward-Imagn Images

LeBron James also recalled the pivotal moment following Bronny’s heart surgery when his son’s determination to return to the game became clear. “To see him be able to play in a college division one game, the same year he had heart surgery was like a ‘wow’ moment. I knew that at that moment, it was really going to be nothing to stop him from getting to anything he wants to do,” LeBron shared.

Despite the severity of his health scare, Bronny’s focus remained on basketball. “He wanted to continue playing basketball – that was like one of the first things he asked me.” LeBron shared. “He asked the doctors, ‘When can I play again?’ Not, ‘How long is it going to take for my heart to heal?’ Or not, ‘How long was I in surgery?’ None of those. He asked, ‘When can I play?’” LeBron said.

As the Lakers prepare for their highly anticipated season opener, fans are eagerly awaiting the potential debut of the father-son duo. According to reports from Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst, Bronny could take the court as early as Tuesday night.