Bronny James has remarkably bounced back from a life-threatening incident to play in the NBA.

The son of basketball great LeBron James joined the Los Angeles Lakers after being drafted in the summer and he’s making history. 

Bronny’s life and career were at risk in 2023, but he’s incredibly bounced backGetty

He and his dad became the first father-and-son duo ever to play together in the league and it was a moment that may never have happened.

Just over a year ago, James was in intensive care with not only his career but his life on the line and here, talkSPORT.com takes a look back at what happened…

What happened to Bronny James?

James suffered a cardiac arrest in July 2023.

Whilst taking part in a training workout at the University of Southern California’s Galen Centre in Los Angeles, he suddenly collapsed on the court.

He was then rushed to hospital and placed in intensive care before it was confirmed that he was in a stable condition soon after.  

A family spokesperson revealed to TMZ at the time: “Yesterday while practicing Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest.

“Medical staff was able to treat Bronny and take him to the hospital. He is now in stable condition and no longer in ICU.

“We ask for respect and privacy for the James family and we will update media when there is more information.

“LeBron and Savannah wish to publicly send their deepest thanks and appreciation to the USC medical and athletic staff for their incredible work and dedication to the safety of their athletes.”

He was released from hospital three days after the incident and then a month later, an update was released which kept up hope that he would be able to return to playing.

Bronny collapsed while training at USCGetty

It was also revealed that James’ cardiac arrest was a congenital heart defect. 

A congenital heart defect is a term that refers to any abnormality of heart structure that is present from birth, which results when the heart, or blood vessels near the heart, don’t develop normally before birth.

A James family spokeswoman announced in August 2023: “It is an anatomically and functionally significant Congenital Heart Defect which can and will be treated.

“We are very confident in Bronny’s full recovery and return to basketball in the very near future. 

“We will continue to provide updates to media and respectfully reiterate the family’s request for privacy.”

In November 2023, James was then cleared to return to the court and LeBron could not wait to see his son make a comeback. 

“Super excited for that moment,” he said, “I can’t wait to see him run out with his teammates. 

“And then once he checks into the game, whenever that happens, it’s going to be a big moment for our family.”

Bronny worked out on his own and had been focusing on weights, cardio and shooting before joining his teammates at USC. 

Bronny has made history alongside his dad in the NBA after coming back from his cardiac arrest

LeBron was then in attendance as his son eventually made his return in December 2023, making his debut for USC five months on from his cardiac arrest. 

Ever since, Bronny has regained his fitness and eventually declared himself for the 2024 NBA Draft, despite some doubts.

The Lakers then made the decision to select him late in the second round and he has now been playing alongside his dad. 

It meant that in just 14 months, Bronny was able to bounce back from a serious incident that could have changed his life to make his dream come true. 

He has been playing in pre-season with LeBron and will be eyeing a competitive NBA debut after signing a four-year contract with the Lakers.