After “A Very Scary 36 Hours” for Bronny James, Rachel Nichols Explains Lebron James’ Close Bond With Son: “He Did Not Have His Own Father in His Life”

Beyond LeBron James’ incredible talent and success on the court, he also has a deep bond with his family – especially his son, Bronny James. The relationship between LeBron and Bronny has always been a subject of interest, not just for their shared love of basketball, but also for the unique circumstances that have shaped their bond. LeBron grew up without a father. So, he has been determined to be there for his son, a commitment that has been put to the test in recent days.

Recently, there was an incident that shook the James family to its core – a terrifying 36 hours for Bronny that left everyone concerned about his well-being. Rachel Nichols, a close friend, and reporter who has known Bronny since he was a baby, sheds light on their unique relationship and how it ties back to LeBron’s own childhood.

A terrifying incident that shook the family

The bond between LeBron and Bronny was put to the test recently when Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest during a practice session at USC. Nichols describes how “terrifying” it must have been for LeBron and Savannah (Bronny’s mother) to receive such alarming news about their son’s health. 

Fortunately for Bronny, USC had an experienced training staff who acted swiftly during this life-threatening situation. This incident, Rachel argues, also sheds light on cardiac arrests, which are more common among student-athletes than one might think.

LeBron has often expressed his dream of playing alongside his son in the NBA. A dream that now hangs in the balance. Despite the uncertainty, Nichols remains optimistic about Bronny’s future. She describes him as a “well-rounded kid” for whom basketball is not the only thing in life.

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“The main thing is that he’s OK, which it seems like he is. The second thing is the hope that he can continue his dream and play alongside his dad in the NBA,” Nichols said. 

Bronny and the King’s hopes

Rachel Nichols recalls meeting Bronny when he was just a baby and witnessing him grow up in front of the media’s watchful eye. From an early age, Bronny had been present at his father’s games, immersing himself in the world of basketball alongside one of its greatest players.

Nichols recalls LeBron expressing regret over naming his son after him, fearing the pressure it might put on Bronny. However, she also remembers LeBron’s determination to forge a strong connection with his son, a connection he missed in his own life. “LeBron talked a lot to us then about how important it was to have that connection with the son. He did not have his own father in his life,” Nichols said.

LeBron understood firsthand the importance of having a strong connection with his son because he did not have that same experience with his own father.

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Bronny is currently stable. We wish him all the best to get well soon!