Bronny James reveals coping with mental illness post cardiac arrest

Bronny James is one of the most searched names among 20-year-olds in the country, if not the world. Cursed or blessed with being the eldest child of one of the greatest players of all time, LeBron James' son's life is more complex than anyone ever thought.

Living most of his life in his LA Lakers star father's shadow and viewed as a good kid, Bronny barely ever showed anything except a childish smile. The world judged him with its eyes and mind fixed on his father's face. Meanwhile, Bronny has developed a thicker skin, just like his father.

Bronny James spoke to the Associated Press about the injuries and the mental struggles he had to handle since his cardiac arrest.

"I’ve become resilient over these past couple of years fighting through injuries, mental illness, stuff like that. ... Just, you know, coming in and working every day and staying the course," James said.

He also said that he was trying to leave behind his cardiac arrest in the summer of 2023.

"Trying to get past that. ... it's difficult, but I'm trying to work at it every day," James said.

Since his cardiac arrest, Bronny lives a life being more thankful. He also said that since his cardiac arrest, he is more grateful for playing basketball at the highest level and appreciates it even more.

"My family, my parents, they are extremely thankful that I'm not only able to play basketball but also just walk around and speak to other people," James said. "It’s a blessing to be able to play this sport that I love. There’s a chance I wasn’t going to be able to. So, I wake up and I’m thankful for that every day."

Chandler Parson wants Bronny James to stay in G League

Bronny James has put up impressive numbers in the G League, especially in December. Except for his disappointing game on Saturday, when he scored just six points, Bronny has put impressive numbers on both ends of the floor.

In his other four games this month in the G League, Bronny had three 16-point games and a 30-point game.

However, despite his impressive numbers, former NBA player Chandler Parsons doesn't feel like the LA Lakers should call LeBron James' son back. Parsons said on the "Run It Back" show that bringing back Bronny right now would only stop his growth.

"This isn’t the business of pleasing LeBron James, it’s the business of winning basketball games," Parsons said. "Bronny James won’t help the Lakers win basketball games right now. But he can help the G League team win basketball games, and he can help his career and slowly come along and develop."

Despite being dismissed by others for his lack of ability to play in the NBA, Bronny has his own fanbase in the league who want to see him succeed. Perhaps, that should inspire the son of the NBA superstar.