While he maintains that he isn’t desperate to play alongside his iconic father, Bronny James has disclosed that the cardiac arrest he had in July is still “lingering” on his thoughts as he chases his dream of becoming a professional at the NBA Draft Combine.

After his health scare, the 19-year-old, who is unlikely to play for the USC Trojans again this summer, said he talked with his parents the idea that he might not be able to play again.

James added, “I think a big part of it was my parents believing in me and giving me the love and affection that I needed at that time.” I still consider all of the possible outcomes. I just have an overwhelming love for the game.

James played in 25 games for the Trojans, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists despite missing the opening month of the campaign.

When speaking of his time away from the game and return, James remarked, “It’s just a great thing to happen to me, in terms of just being grateful for everything.” I think I’ve earned the chance because I worked hard and did other things to get back. I am incredibly appreciative of all that has been bestowed upon me.

Bronny James is ‘grateful’ to just be at the NBA Draft Combine after his previous health issues

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

I asked Bronny James if it’s his dream to play with his dad, LeBron James. He replied, “No, never. My dream has always just been to put my name out, make a name for myself, and get to the NBA, which is everyone’s end goal that’s here. I never thought about just playing with my… pic.twitter.com/jt6yZn0VkX

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 14, 2024

James played in a scrimmage on Tuesday after participating in drills the previous day, when he had his vertical leap measured at 40 1/2 inches and his height – without shoes – at 6-foot-1 1/2 despite being listed by Southern California as 6-4. He also answered questions from reporters, something he didn’t do last season.

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

James went into cardiac arrest because of a congenital heart defect during a basketball workout at USC in late July and needed 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 if he wants to turn pro or play at another year in college

He recorded the third best vertical leap, which was measured at 40 1/2 inches and his height

Bronny James in his first scrimmage 👀

(🎥 @Frankie_Vision) pic.twitter.com/cHlChz7f43

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 14, 2024

‘It was a tough time, for sure,’ he said. ‘All this work that I put in, it just really built me into someone that would never give up. It paid off because I put in the work after that situation, and I’m back to where I want to be.’

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

‘My dream has always just been to put my name out, make a name for myself and, of course, get to the NBA,’ he said. ‘I never thought about playing with my dad. But of course, he’s brought it up a couple times.’

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

‘This is a serious business,’ he said. ‘I don’t feel like there would be a thought of `I´m just drafting this kid just because I’m gonna get his dad.’ I don’t think a GM would really allow that. I think I’ve put in the work and I’ll get drafted because of not only the player but the person that I am.’