Bronny James, the Los Angeles Lakers guard, revealed that he has spent the last year addressing the lasting impacts of his heart condition as he aims to solidify his place in Coach JJ Redick’s rotation. Two years ago, James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, experienced cardiac arrest due to a congenital heart defect, which led to surgery that left him with a six-inch scar on his chest before starting his freshman year at USC.
“I get kind of sick easier now,” the 20-year-old stated during an interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin in Las Vegas for the NBA summer league. “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.”
This past summer, James faced an illness that caused him to miss a week of training leading up to the California Classic earlier this month. Consequently, he missed the opening game in San Francisco and had his minutes restricted in a subsequent match.
According to Redick, who coached James after he was picked No. 55 in the 2024 NBA Draft, gaining strength is essential for James to advance his career. “The biggest thing for Bronny is that he has to get in elite shape, that’s the barrier of entry for him right now,” Redick told ESPN. “And if he does that, I think he’s got a chance to be a really fantastic player in the NBA. With the defensive pickup points, the disruption, being able to get downhill … I think we have all seen these amazing flashes of it from Bronny. And to get to that next level for him, it’s cardio fitness.”
Despite the health challenges, James played 27 games during his rookie season, averaging 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists while shooting 31.3 percent from the field and 28.1 percent from three-point range. He oscillated between the Lakers and the South Bay Lakers in the G League, where he achieved an average of 21.9 points per game with a 44.3 percent shooting rate and a 38.0 percent accuracy from beyond the arc.
“My head is all over the place,” James admitted. “There’s so much going on in Vegas. I personally don’t like summer league at all. I like the competition and the games, but I don’t like coming to Vegas and being in Vegas … After this, I’m just doing nothing.”
South Bay Lakers coach Zach Guthrie noted that he has observed improvement in James’ condition, highlighting the importance of focusing on nutrition and rest. “His conditioning is like a basketball 401(k.),” Guthrie explained. “It is all about daily deposits… Yeah, there’s going to be sometimes he’s sick or this or that, but if he just stays vigilant and stays about his work, I think he will be fine.”
James’ off-season training regimen includes various forms of conditioning, such as interval training, stationary bike sessions, incline walking, and sprints, combined with scrimmaging and skill development. He also incorporates a thorough shooting drill, aiming to make 80 out of 105 shots.
After the Lakers’ early exit from the playoffs in April, Redick emphasized James’ commitment to honing his skills. Lakers guard Gabe Vincent, who partnered with James during parts of last season, praised the rookie for his hard work, gaining respect from teammates.
Meanwhile, LeBron James, preparing for his 23rd season and rumored to be considering his options with the Lakers following a recent statement from his agent Rich Paul about accepting a $52.6 million player option. Paul stated, “LeBron wants to compete for a championship… He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.”
LeBron has a no-trade clause in his contract and remains focused on maximizing the remaining seasons of his illustrious career, as he was recently seen in the South of France enjoying time with his wife and business partner. “We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career,” Paul added.
