LeBron and Savannah James Open Up About Son Bronny's Cardiac Arrest for the First Time: 'Super Grateful'

LeBron became tearful as he considered how the situation could have been "worse for our family" in Netflix's new docuseries

<p>Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty; Atiba Jefferson/NBAE via Getty</p> LeBron James and Savannah James; Bronny James

Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty; Atiba Jefferson/NBAE via Getty

LeBron James and Savannah James; Bronny James

For the first time, LeBron and Savannah James are reflecting on the frightening moment their son Bronny suffered cardiac arrest in July 2023.

LeBron, 39, and Savannah, 38, spoke candidly about the impact of the now 20-year-old Bronny's health scare in Netflix's new docuseries, Starting 5.

"I think at the end of the day, it was just about us supporting each other and just being super grateful for the outcome," a tearful Savannah said in the series' premiere episode.

It also followed LeBron and his mother Gloria James on their visit to USC, where they met with Erin, a member of the university's medical staff who responded when Bronny collapsed during a basketball practice.

"Shout out to the man above," the father of three said in his interview segment as footage of Gloria meeting the medical responder is shown. "And to the whole coaching staff, training staff, members of that program," LeBron continued, calling Erin a "lifesaver, literally."

<p>Frazer Harrison/Getty</p> Bronny James and LeBron James attend the 2023 ESPY Awards in Hollywood, California

Frazer Harrison/Getty

Bronny James and LeBron James attend the 2023 ESPY Awards in Hollywood, California

Related: Bronny James Says He's Ready for 'Amplified' Pressure of Playing Alongside His Dad LeBron

"Erin performed CPR on Bronny when he went down," LeBron told his mother during their visit to the university's campus.

LeBron said that the school's medical staff is "the reason Bronny is alive now and smiling and thriving and doing what any 19-year-old should be doing, and that's living out their dream."

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Bronny was diagnosed with "an anatomically and functionally significant congenital heart defect" in August and underwent successful surgery before beginning his rehabilitation process.

In Starting 5, LeBron said his son's biggest concern following his cardiac arrest was if and when he would return to the court.

<p>Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty</p> Bronny James #9 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warm up prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena on October 06, 2024 in Palm Springs

Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty

Bronny James #9 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warm up prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena on October 06, 2024 in Palm Springs

"It’s crazy with kids, when they love something and they want something, that's all that matters to them," LeBron explained in the show. "As a parent, you're like, ‘You had a cardiac arrest, like...,’ and in his mind he's like, 'Can I or can I not play ball again and if the answer is yes, when can I play ball again?' "

"I love that," LeBron said of his son's shared passion for basketball before becoming emotional with pride for Bronny.

Related: LeBron James Says He Has 'No Words’ After Son Bronny Is Drafted to the Los Angeles Lakers

"Bronny's the first person in the family to go to college," LeBron explained, sharing that he loves seeing his son "playing the game he loves" but more importanly, "to see where he is as a young man."

"You're like, wow, it could have been, you know, so much more worse for our family," the Lakers star said while reflecting on his son's heart condition.

Bronny and LeBron made history during the Lakers' preseason game against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 6 when they became the first father and son to ever play alongside one another in the NBA. Bronny was drafted to the team as the 55th overall draft pick after one season at USC in June.

LeBron called playing on the same team as Bronny "the greatest thing that's ever happened," during an interview on the Today show. "There’s no greater accomplishment that will be able to overtake me being on the same floor as my son," he added.

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