Bronny James has ‘lingering’ fear after cardiac arrest last July but insists he is ins’t desperate to play with his dad LeBron

Bronny James has revealed that the cardiac arrest he suffered in July still lingers on his mind as he pursues his dream of turning pro at the NBA Draft Combine, although he insists he is not desperate to play with his legendary father.

The 19-year-old, who is unlikely to return to the USC Trojans this summer, said the possibility of him not being able to play again was discussed with his mother and father following his health problems.

“I feel like my parents were a big factor in believing in me and giving me the love and affection that I needed at that time,” James said. ‘I still think about everything that could happen. I just love the game so much that it takes over.”

James missed the first month of the season but averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 games for the Trojans.

“It’s just an amazing thing that happened to me, in terms of being grateful for everything,” James said of his time off and comeback. “I worked hard and stuff like that to get back, so I feel like I’ve earned this opportunity. I am extremely grateful for everything that has been given to me.’

The 19-year-old played in a scrimmage on Tuesday after participating in drills the day before

James played in a scrimmage Tuesday after participating in drills the previous day, when his vertical jump was measured at 40 1/2 inches and his height — without shoes — at 6 feet, 8 inches, despite being listed as South -California. as 6-4. He also answered questions from reporters, something he did not do last season.

Bronny James, the son of NBA career leader LeBron James, was one of the nation’s top talents when he decided to stay close to home and committed to USC last May from Sierra Canyon School in nearby Chatsworth. But last summer, things took an unexpected turn.

James went into cardiac arrest at the end of July due to a congenital heart defect during a basketball practice at USC and required surgery. He was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and later seen by doctors at the Mayo Clinic and Atlantic Health-Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey.

Bronny has until later in May to decide whether he wants to turn pro or play another year in college

He recorded the third-best vertical jump, measured at 40 1/2 inches and his height

“It was definitely a difficult time,” he said. “All this work I put in really made me into someone who would never give up. It paid off because I worked hard after that situation and I’m back where I want to be.”

James, who has until later this month to decide whether he wants to turn pro or play at least another year in college, said his goal is to go to the NBA — not necessarily on the same team as LeBron.

“My dream has always been to get my name out there, make a name for myself and of course go to the NBA,” he said. ‘I never thought about playing with my father. But of course he’s brought it up a few times.’

Bronny dismissed the idea that a team could draft him as a way to lure his father.

“This is a serious matter,” he said. “I don’t feel like there would be a thought of, ‘I’m just drafting this kid just because I’m going to get his dad.’ I don’t think any GM would really allow that. “I think I have done everything I can and I will be called up, not just because of the player, but because of the person I am.”