Home Basketball LeBron James and his family are ‘very confident’ Bronny will make a full recovery and return to basketball after his cardiac arrest… which they say was caused by a ‘congenital heart defect’

LeBron James and his family are ‘very confident’ Bronny will make a full recovery and return to basketball after his cardiac arrest… which they say was caused by a ‘congenital heart defect’

Basketball — 09/26/2023

Bronny James’ family has provided an update on him one month after the USC freshman experienced a cardiac arrest, saying they are “very confident” he will soon be able to play basketball again.

A spokesperson for the James family released the following statement: “The probable cause of Mr. James’ sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) has been identified following a thorough initial evaluation at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center led by Dr. Merije Chukumerije and follow-up evaluations at the Mayo Clinic led by Dr. Michael J. Ackerman and Atlantic Health/Morristown Medical Center led by Dr. Matthew W. Martinez. 

It is a treatable congenital heart defect that is both physically and functionally significant.

‘We are very confident in Bronny’s full recovery and return to basketball in the very near future. We will continue to provide updates to media and respectfully reiterate the family’s request for privacy.’

Bronny James likely has an 'anatomically and functionally significant Congenital Heart Defect'+4View gallery

Bronny James likely has an ‘anatomically and functionally significant Congenital Heart Defect’

LeBron James thanked fans for their support of his family in the days following the incident

Bronny was released from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center three days later and has since been seen with his family out in public.  

LeBron penned an emotional message on Twitter days after the cardiac arrest, saying, ‘I want to thank the countless people sending my family love and prayers.

‘We feel you and I’m so grateful. Everyone doing great. We have our family together, safe and healthy, and we feel your love.

‘Will have more to say when we’re ready but I wanted to tell everyone how much your support has meant to all of us! #JamesGang.’

James had said it was his job 'to remain strong' after son Bronny (left) had a cardiac arrest

James had said it was his job ‘to remain strong’ after son Bronny (left) had a cardiac arrest

James and his family pose for a photo during a ceremony to honor him becoming the NBA's all-time leading scorer+4View gallery

James and his family pose for a photo during a ceremony to honor him becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer

Upon announcing that Bronny had been discharged on July 27, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center said in a statement: ‘Thanks to the swift and effective response by the USC athletics’ medical staff, Bronny James was successfully treated for a sudden cardiac arrest.

‘He arrived at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center fully conscious, neurologically intact, and stable.

‘Mr. James was cared for promptly by highly-trained staff and has been discharged home, where he is resting.

‘Although his workup will be ongoing, we are hopeful for his continued progress and are encouraged by his response, resilience, and his family and community support.’

TMZ reported earlier this month that Bronny and LeBron traveled to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to seek further treatment for the 18-year-old.