Bronny James has been making waves on the basketball court from a young age, growing up under the spotlight of his NBA superstar father, LeBron James. But in 2023, the world watched him face a life-threatening challenge, only to rise again and make sports history in a remarkable father-son moment.
LeBron James and his wife, Savannah, are proud parents of three children: Bronny, Bryce, and Zhuri. While the couple may be known for their influence in the NBA world, at home, they focus on being a tight-knit family.
LeBron and Savannah James at the premiere of “Shooting Stars” held on May 31, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Their eldest, Bronny, born on October 6, 2004, has closely followed in his father’s footsteps, displaying remarkable talent on the basketball court. Now 20, he’s making headlines in true LeBron James fashion. However, his journey has been far from easy.
LeBron James holds his son LeBron “Bronny” Jr. during the 2007 NBA Playoffs on June 2, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
A Basketball Star in the Making
From an early age, Bronny James proved he had inherited his father’s basketball prowess. As a standout player for Sierra Canyon High School, Bronny consistently showcased his skills, often in front of a packed crowd.
Bronny James takes photos of the crowd gathered for his dad, LeBron James on May 4, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
One of his most memorable moments came during a game against his father’s alma mater, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. With LeBron watching from the sidelines, Bronny helped secure a dramatic 59-56 victory with a clutch steal and layup in the final minute.
LeBron’s son, Bronny James during NBA All Star Weekend on February 12, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
LeBron’s excitement was palpable as he watched his son lead the team to victory. “It was a great day,” LeBron later shared. “To see my son play against my former team, and then for him to make the biggest play of the game — it was kind of surreal.”
LeBron James and his son, Lebron Jr. during a press conference on May 12, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
That game, which also marked the first time LeBron had the chance to watch one of Bronny’s high school games in person, cemented Bronny’s status as a rising star.
Breaking Barriers at 16
Bronny wasn’t just making waves on the court; he was also breaking new ground off it. At 16, he became the youngest member of the James family to land on the cover of “Sports Illustrated.”
This was no small feat, considering his father, LeBron, had appeared on the same cover years earlier — but Bronny was six months younger than his dad was at the time of his debut.
The buzz around Bronny’s talents grew, and his future in basketball seemed limitless. But just as his career was gaining momentum, an unexpected health scare occurred.
Bronny James after a game against the UCLA Bruins and the Presbyterian Blue Hose on November 19, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
A Shocking Setback at 18
In July 2023, just as Bronny was preparing to begin his college basketball career at the University of Southern California, tragedy struck. During a routine practice, the 18-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest, a life-threatening event that shocked both the sports world and his fans.
Emergency medical personnel acted swiftly, providing treatment on-site before rushing him to the hospital, where his condition was stabilized. The incident was classified as a Code 3, indicating its severity, and Bronny was later moved out of the ICU as his condition improved.
The James family released a brief statement, asking for privacy and thanking the medical team for their quick response. “Bronny is now in stable condition and no longer in ICU,” they shared.
Though the situation was dire, Bronny was back on his feet in no time, a testament to his strength and determination. Soon, he was on the road to returning to his beloved sport.
Returning to the Court After Recovery
Despite the severity of his health scare, Bronny’s resilience shone through just a few months later. By December 2023, the young athlete made his highly anticipated return to the court.
With his father, LeBron, watching from the stands, Bronny suited up for the University of Southern California in a game against Long Beach State. His entrance onto the court was met with cheers from fans.
Though he missed the first eight games of the season due to his recovery, Bronny showed that his love for basketball had not diminished. His return was a symbol of perseverance and strength.
As Bronny received an outpouring of support from the fans, his father’s reaction stood out. LeBron was captured cheering and clapping, clearly moved by his son’s journey back to the court. It was another proud father moment as Bronny took a major step forward in both his recovery and his basketball career.
Making NBA History with His Father
In June 2024, just under a year after his cardiac arrest, Bronny reached another milestone. The talented player was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the NBA Draft.
The selection was significant, not just because it brought him to one of the league’s most storied franchises, but because it set the stage for a history-making moment. By October, on the opening day of the NBA’s 79th season, Bronny made his NBA debut, and it wasn’t just any ordinary game.
For the first time in NBA history, a father and son played together on the same team. LeBron and Bronny shared the court in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with LeBron in the starting lineup and Bronny entering with just over four minutes remaining in the second quarter.
LeBron and Bronny James at Crypto.com Arena on October 22, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
As the two stepped onto the floor together, fans at Crypto.com Arena roared in celebration. LeBron, always the supportive father, gave his son last-minute advice, reminding him to “play carefree” and not to worry about mistakes. It was a quiet but powerful father-son moment captured by the TNT Sports microphone.
Though Bronny’s time on the court that night was brief — he played about two and a half minutes, missed two shots, and grabbed a rebound — the significance of the moment wasn’t lost on anyone.
A portrait of LeBron and Bronny James interviewed on October 22, 2024 | Source: getty Images
The Lakers went on to win the game 110-103, with LeBron scoring 16 points. That night, the James family made history, and Bronny cemented his place not just as LeBron’s son, but as an NBA player in his own right.
Bronny’s journey to the NBA has been remarkable. At only 20, he has showcased his talent, resilience, and determination. From his early days as a high school star to overcoming a life-threatening cardiac arrest, he has shown a strength far beyond his years.
Lebron and Bronny James made history as the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game on October 22, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Throughout it all, LeBron and Bronny have been each other’s biggest supporters. LeBron has cheered his son on from the sidelines, offering guidance, while Bronny has expressed pride in following in his father’s footsteps.
They’ve shown that their relationship goes beyond the game, embodying what it means to stand by each other both on and off the court. With Bronny’s story just beginning, and LeBron still making history in his own right, this father-son duo will undoubtedly continue to inspire