LeBron James' son Bronny says his days aren't normal anymore, reveals how 'heart pillow' helps ease pain
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: LeBron James' son Bronny James is opening up on his life following the cardiac arrest he suffered during basketball practice in July 2023.
A year after the incident, he admits his days are no longer the same as he navigates recovery while continuing his basketball career.
Bronny James reflects on his recovery journey
The 20-year-old Los Angeles Lakers rookie is focused on taking precautions, including managing his medication and being careful when coughing or laughing.
Bronny described how his routine has changed since the heart incident.
"My days aren’t normal anymore,” he shared, adding that while he feels he’s on the road to recovery, it’s been a gradual process.
He explained that he had to adopt new routines, including breathing exercises, to help him return to his former self. “It was a total reset,” Bronny said, according to Mens Health.
He also noted the role of his heart pillow, a device that helps him manage discomfort when he coughs.
"When I coughed, it used to hurt a little bit, but you get this pillow, and when you cough you just hold it so it doesn’t hurt."
LeBron James' son Bronny James' had 'congenital heart defect'
Bronny James' cardiac arrest occurred during a basketball practice at the University of Southern California in July 2023.
At the time when he was just 18, Bronny was rushed to the hospital and placed in the ICU before being moved to general care.
In August 2023, a spokesperson revealed that the probable cause was a "congenital heart defect", according to Page Six.
Reflecting on the harrowing experience, LeBron expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in saving his son’s life.
"Shout-out to the man, above. To the whole coaching staff, training staff, members of that program, thank you so much," he recently said in Netflix’s 'Starting 5'.
LeBron James credits the team with ensuring Bronny is "alive now and smiling and thriving."
Bronny James' return to basketball and NBA history
Bronny James returned to basketball in December 2023, making his collegiate debut for USC in a game against Long Beach State.
His hard work and dedication led to him being selected by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA draft as the 55th overall pick.
Earlier this month, Bronny and his father, LeBron made NBA history by becoming the first father-son duo to play together on the same team.
During a preseason game against the Phoenix Suns, the two played side by side, a moment of pride for their family.
Savannah James, Bronny’s mother, shared her emotional response to the entire ordeal in the Netflix docuseries.
“At the end of the day, it was just about us supporting each other and just being super grateful for the outcome," she said at the time.
