LeBron talks about the traumatic Bronny James scare in new Netflix series

The Los Angeles Lakers made history when Bronny James and LeBron James shared the court during a recent preseason game. It was the official beginning of the era of the first father-son duo in NBA history as the James family took center stage in the game against the Phoenix Suns.

However, about a year before they became teammates, the James family experienced a life-changing experience that turned their world upside down.

Bronny James was preparing for a highly anticipated freshman season with the USC Trojans when tragedy struck on July 24, 2023. He suffered a cardiac arrest during a preseason practice, and it was later discovered that he has a congenital heart defect that requires treatment and monitoring.

During the third and fourth episodes of Netflix's new NBA series Start fiveLeBron James opened up about the helpless experience of watching his son endure a life-threatening event.

“When I knew he was healthy enough to play basketball, it was an incredible feeling. But it's definitely just a lot of nerves. A lot of nerves. Because we almost lost him.”

James continued:

“You know, you never, ever think, despite all the swear words you say about it, that this can go wrong as life goes on, or whatever the case may be, you never think about your children. They're just children. You don't do that.” “Never think that something bad will happen to your children.” You say, “I protect the children.” You are young and in good health. If something's going to happen, it's going to be us, our friends, or… You know, you never think about your (expletive) And if something traumatic happens When that happens, it's like, 'Oh (expletive), things have to be put in the right light.'”

It's an experience no one would wish on another soul, let alone a parent whose child is going through something that could cost them their life.

Bronny James inevitably faced unimaginable hurdles during his first season at USC. The Trojans played their first game of the 2023-24 college basketball season, just over three months after James fought for his life.

In return, James missed eight games during his first season as well as valuable time with his teammates and coaches in practice as he recovered from a near-death experience.

This fact was most overlooked when it came to the way James played as a freshman. His defensive prowess continued, but the portrayal of his offensive deficiencies regularly ignored the fact that he almost lost his life just before the start of the season.

Instead of judging a former four-star recruit and McDonald's All-American by how he played less than five months after his cardiac arrest, he should be applauded for getting back on the court in the first place.

From LeBron James' perspective, the horror of almost losing his son is unimaginable. It is something that no parent should have to go through, let alone the person experiencing the horror of the disease themselves.

The James family is willing to talk about the experience From 5 is also a credit to her transparency about an experience that could impact any family in any walk of life.

Luckily, Bronny James is healthy and preparing for a breakthrough rookie season alongside his father. The duo will be the focus of news outlets whenever they step on the court as Bronny looks to write the first chapter of his NBA career and LeBron continues to rewrite the record books.

After overcoming a devastating traumatic experience, Bronny and LeBron James have the historic opportunity to play as teammates in Los Angeles.