For a while it seemed like this might not happen. Nearly fifteen months ago, Bronny suffered cardiac arrest, putting his health and basketball career at risk. At the time, he was preparing for his freshman season at Southern California.

He made his season debut in nine games in a difficult season.

After averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists at Southern California, Bronny declared for the NBA draft despite questions about his readiness for professional basketball.

The Lakers selected him in the second round with the 55th overall selection.

LeBron and Bronny took the court together in the first game of what proved to be a challenging preseason for Bronny. In six games, he went 9-of-37 from the field, including 1-of-12 from 3-point range. But he showed athleticism and intelligence on defense before the 2024-25 regular season began.

“… It was a treat, and just in the preseason, the practices, just every day… just getting him up to speed on what this professional life is about and how to prepare every day as a professional,” said LeBron after Lakers shootaround Tuesday morning, according to ESPN.