Bronny James has ‘lingering’ fear after cardiac arrest last July, but insists he’s not desperate to play with dad LeBron

Bronny James revealed that the cardiac arrest he suffered in July “lingers” in his mind as he pursues his dream of turning professional at the NBA Draft Combine, although he insists he won’t is not desperate to play with his legendary father.

The 19-year-old, who likely won’t return to the USC Trojans this summer, said the possibility of him not being able to play again was discussed with his mother and father after his health issue.

“I feel like my parents played a big role in believing in me and giving me the love and affection that I needed at that time,” James said. “I still think about everything that could happen. I love the game so much that it dominates it.

James missed the first month of the season but averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 games for the Trojans.

“It’s just a good thing to happen to me, in terms of being grateful for everything,” James said of his absence and return. “I worked and stuff like that to get back, so I feel like I’ve earned this opportunity.” I am extremely grateful for everything that has been given to me.

Bronny James ‘grateful’ to be at NBA Draft Combine after previous health issues

The 19-year-old played in a scrimmage on Tuesday after participating in drills the day before.

James played in a scrimmage Tuesday after participating in drills the day before, where his vertical jump was measured at 40 1/2 inches and his height – without shoes – at 6 feet 1 1/2 although he is listed by the Southern California. like 6-4. He also answered questions from reporters, something he didn’t do last season.

The son of NBA career scoring leader LeBron James, Bronny James was one of the nation’s top prospects when he decided to stay close to home and committed to USC last May at Sierra Canyon School in nearby Chatsworth. But things took an unexpected turn last summer.

James went into cardiac arrest due to a congenital heart defect during basketball practice at USC in late July and required surgery. He was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, then examined by doctors at the Mayo Clinic and Atlantic Health-Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey.

Bronny has until the end of May to decide whether he wants to turn pro or play another year in college.

He recorded the third best vertical jump, measured at 40 1/2 inches and his height

“It was a tough time, that’s for sure,” he said. “All this work I have done has truly made me someone who would never give up. It paid off because I worked past that situation and I’m back where I want to be.

James, who has until the end of the month to decide whether he wants to turn pro or play at least another year in college, said his goal is to make it to the NBA — not necessarily play in the same team as LeBron.

“My dream has always been to get my name out there, make a name for myself and, of course, make it to the NBA,” he said. “I never thought about playing with my father. But of course he talked about it several times.

Bronny dismissed the idea that a team might draft him as a way to lure his father.

“This is a serious matter,” he said. “I don’t feel like anyone would think, ‘I’m just recruiting this kid just because I’m going to get his dad.’ I don’t think a general manager would really allow that. I think I worked hard and will be drafted not only because of the player but also the person I am.