Bronny James, the 19-year-old Lakers rookie, has spoken out about his near-death experience at USC, revealing he’s still recovering.
In a new Men’s Health cover feature, he spoke about his recovery process. “I got real on top of my routines to get back to where I was. I had to do breathing exercises and stuff. It was a total reset. I have to stay on top of my heart medications, and I got my heart pillow.”
“When I coughed, it used to hurt a little bit, but you get this pillow, and when you cough you just hold it so it doesn’t hurt,” he said. “My days aren’t normal anymore.”
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“I still feel like I’m getting back, I’m getting back to where I was.”
In late July 2023, Bronny suffered cardiac arrest during an informal scrimmage with his USC teammates, collapsing on the floor.
Fortunately, the prompt response of USC’s medical team and equipment saved his life.
In his interview with Men’s Health, Bronny shared that he is doing better and has reduced his heart medication dosage since the incident.
The rookie is gearing up to join his father on the court for the upcoming Lakers season.
Despite not wanting to make a big deal of it, he admits to Men’s Health how surreal the moment feels, saying, “Wow, it’s crazy that it’s gonna happen.”
Amid high expectations, Bronny is focused on finding peace and being his best self both on and off the court.
“I like to envision where I’d be if I found complete peace, you know what I’m saying,” he said. “I like to think about where I would be if I were in this state of mind. I just close my eyes and breathe.”
