By Sunday 
Bronny James just wrapped up his second NBA Summer League with the Los Angeles Lakers—and there’s no denying the growth. But beyond the stats and headlines, the 20-year-old is quietly fighting a much deeper battle: his health.
On-Court Progress, Off-Court Reality
During his recent three-game stint in Las Vegas, Bronny averaged an impressive 16.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.6 rebounds. That’s a solid jump from his rookie-year Summer League performance, and it’s exactly the kind of development Lakers fans have been hoping to see.
But those numbers only tell part of the story.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Bronny opened up about lingering effects from his 2023 cardiac arrest—an incident that stunned the basketball world and nearly derailed his career before it truly began.
“I get kind of sick easier now. Which is kind of weird, but I think it messed with my immune system a little bit,” Bronny revealed. “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 Road to Recovery Isn’t Straight
Bronny is technically injury-free right now, but his minutes were limited this summer, and his body still isn’t where it used to be. And that’s tough—especially when you’re fighting to prove you belong on one of the most scrutinized teams in the NBA.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has been one of Bronny’s loudest supporters, emphasizing that with consistent conditioning, he can absolutely grow into a “fantastic NBA player.”
“We’ve all seen these amazing flashes from Bronny,” Redick said. “For him, it’s cardio fitness. And I get that there’s a history there… but he’s going to get there.”
Bronny’s Bigger Win
While some critics still question his draft selection at No. 55 overall, Bronny’s G League numbers paint a different picture: 21.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game, plus a gritty 1.9 steals average. The work ethic is there. The flashes are real.
And the fact that he’s doing all of this while navigating a post-cardiac condition? That makes every step forward a little more impressive.
Bronny James may not be LeBron (and honestly, who is?), but he’s carving his own path—one that takes resilience, patience, and a ton of heart. Literally.