Lakers' Bronny James reveals ongoing health issue that stems from heart defect, cardiac arrest

Bronny James was given a dose of perspective that no one would've asked for.

Entering his freshman season at USC, the son of LeBron went into cardiac arrest due to a congenital heart defect. It led to a surgery that left a six-inch scar down the center of his chest.

Now entering his second year with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny is able to see the bigger picture, and his teammates have noticed, too.

Lakers guard Gabe Vincent told ESPN: "Having the game taken away from you at a younger age in the way he did, whether it be injury or whatever it was, I think it gave him a different appreciation. I think it forces you to have a different kind of fight. It puts a chip on your shoulder. Everyone needs a chip, but it gives you a different kind of belief in yourself as you're battling back. You kind of have to climb uphill. And so that builds a lot of resolve."

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The heart problem stalled Bronny's collegiate development a bit. He didn't get a chance to shine with the Trojans, which may have even set him back in his first professional season, where he hit his stride by the second half of the campaign.

Now, the journey has also left Bronny with a bit of an ongoing health annoyance.

He explained to ESPN: 

"I get kind of sick easier now. Which is kind of weird, but I think it messed with my immune system a little bit. 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."

Despite the adversity, Bronny showed flashes of potential in his first NBA and G League season. He also looked like an improved player during this month's NBA Summer League.

He's always had to deal with living up to his name, an impossible task. But additional adversity has shaped Bronny into who he is, and he's trying to make the most of his own, personal journey.

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