Author: Matthias Glaze, CNN
(CNN) — LeBron James says his son Bronny James underwent “successful surgery” after suffering a cardiac arrest in July and is “doing very well” and even plans to “play this season” Back on the court,” playing for USC. ).
The 18-year-old suffered cardiac arrest during a basketball practice at the University of Southern California and was taken to the hospital for treatment, where he was later diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. His family said he should make a full recovery.
“Bronny’s doing really well,” James told reporters at Lakers media day in Los Angeles. “He has begun the rehab process to return to the field this season with his teammates and USC.
“(After) his successful surgery … he’s getting better and better. This summer has been an absolute whirlwind and a lot of emotions for our family, but the best thing we have is each other.
“We supported each other throughout the process and gave Bronny strength and we were excited to see how he performed today. “We look forward to seeing what the future holds for him. “
In his 21st year in the NBA, James said he intends to dedicate the upcoming season to his son and seek a fifth championship.
Bronny is widely considered a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA draft, and James has previously expressed his desire to play in the NBA with his son.
The 19-time All-Star went on to praise the way USC coaches and medical staff handled his son’s cardiac arrest, as well as the staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the Mayo Clinic where Browne was treated.
“Nothing else matters except my family,” James said. “Obviously, I’m going to dedicate this season to Bronny because of the events that happened this summer, I understand it puts everything into perspective.
“No matter what’s going on in your life at that time, the only thing that matters is your family. Look what he’s been through in the last few months, he’s been through a lot.
“I can only imagine how he feels because it means a lot to me and it means a lot to our family. But the people up there really gave us a lot of strength and gave Brownie the strength to bounce back. “
James was also asked if this season would be his last in the NBA. “I don’t know, I don’t know,” he replied.
When asked if he could expand on his answer, James responded: “No, I can’t, because I don’t know. I’m happy right now.
“I’m excited and looking forward to training camp continuing tomorrow, but I don’t know where the end of the road is and what it’s going to look like at the end of the season. “I don’t know. “
However, LeBron did express interest in representing Team USA at next summer’s Paris Olympics, where he could win his third gold medal.
“I’ll see how I feel at the end of the season, but with the guys we have here, I can think of guys that could fill out the roster, I don’t think it’s going to be too serious. “It’s a lot of physical damage. I don’t have to do much,” the 38-year-old said with a laugh.
“I mean, rebound a little, pass a little, defend, block shots, you know. But we’ll see. “We’ll see what happens. “
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