In July 2023, LeBron James faced a heartbreaking moment when his son Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest, shocking the sports community. More than a year later, both LeBron and Savannah wanted to share their story, highlighting the heroes involved in Bronny’s recovery.
The couple discusses this traumatic event in the Netflix docuseries “Starting 5,” which showcases notable NBA players. In the fourth episode titled “Father Christmas,” LeBron expresses how unnerving it is for a parent to contemplate their child’s suffering, adding, “When something like that happens, it really puts things into perspective.”
The episode features nostalgic footage from Bronny’s childhood, his high school basketball journey, and the aftermath of his collapse during practice for the USC team. Savannah reflects on the different ways they coped with the situation, saying, “It was tough. I think we processed it differently.” After a moment to regain her composure, she continues, “Ultimately, we supported each other and were incredibly grateful for the outcome.”
Gratitude for the USC Medical Team
LeBron expressed his heartfelt gratitude to both God and the USC medical staff for their quick actions that saved Bronny’s life. He conveyed his appreciation shortly after the incident, referring to the medical personnel as “lifesavers” during an on-site visit.
Commenting on parental instinct, LeBron shared the dilemma of watching Bronny pursue his basketball dreams while worrying about his health. He imagined Bronny’s thoughts: “Will I get to play again? If so, when?” Despite his fears, LeBron takes pride in Bronny’s strength and determination.
Just four months after the scare, Bronny made his debut with the USC Trojans. LeBron described the mix of excitement and anxiety he felt watching Bronny play again, stating, “I know he was anxious—I certainly was.” Bronny felt grateful for his family’s support, saying, “It felt good knowing they went out of their way to see me.”
The Importance of Family
Through this experience, LeBron gained a profound perspective on life, acknowledging that nothing is more important than family. After years of fame as a premier athlete, this event reminded him of what truly matters.
Basketball remains a core part of the James family dynamics. Recently, Bronny was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, the same team as his father. Bronny has voiced his feelings about this opportunity, recognizing the pressure but also the special bond it creates. ESPN announced that the duo is set to play together during the regular season opener on October 22, promising a memorable moment for their family and fans alike.