Bronny James is still navigating the aftermath of his 2023 cardiac arrest—and now, we’re learning just how much it’s impacted his development. In a revealing interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Bronny admitted that his immune system still hasn’t recovered, leading to recurring illnesses that have disrupted his training and slowed his progress.
“I get kind of sick easier now,” James said. “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.”
The issue even affected his Summer League debut, where illness forced him to miss key workouts and sit out the opener of the California Classic in San Francisco. While the Lakers are confident that Bronny’s body will return to form, they have also recognized that it takes time to recover after such a traumatic event.
The incident happened back before Bronny was in the NBA, ahead of his college campaign with the USC Trojans. With no prior symptoms, Bronny collapsed at a practice in a scary and confusing ordeal. He was hospitalized and later diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, which is what led to his medical emergency.
It’s been years now since Bronny’s initial incident, and while he’s made a lot of progress, there are still lingering effects on his game and development. Since his college experience was tainted, Bronny entered the league at a disadvantage compared to most of his peers, who started healthier with more time to hone their craft.
Still, despite the setbacks, Bronny has shown flashes of brilliance during his first year in the league. As part of the only father-son duo in NBA history, Bronny averaged 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game in 27 games for the Lakers. He split his time between the G-League and NBA, getting a mix of on-court experience and learning from the example set by his veteran teammates.
As Bronny gets healthier, stronger, and more accustomed to the NBA landscape, his game is going to get better and better, and we’re already seeing signs of growth. This offseason, he’s flashed his talent in more ways than one and has also shared some insight into his championship mentality.
At 20 years old, Bronny knows to expect a tough fight ahead, and he’s committed to earning his next NBA contract. His game may still be raw, but he’s set to expand his arsenal next season with a bigger role, more minutes, and the opportunity to learn from his mistakes.
While Bronny’s start in the NBA hasn’t been flashy, it’s been meaningful. Every minute on the floor, every rep in practice, and every challenge he overcomes is part of a larger story—one of resilience, growth, and long-term potential. The numbers may not jump off the page yet, but his presence, poise, and work ethic are earning respect around the league.
As Year 2 approaches, Bronny’s focus is simple: keep improving. The health hurdles haven’t made the journey easy, but with a clearer understanding of his body and an entire organization behind him, he has a real shot at building something sustainable. For now, it’s brick by brick, but the foundation is already stronger than most realize.
