Bronny James opines he is grateful to have reached his NBA dream after a health scare last summer

Nearly a year after suffering a heart attack during a workout, Bronny James is on the verge of fulfilling his dream of playing in the NBA with his renowned father LeBron James.

As per AP News, "It's just a great thing to happen to me, in terms of being grateful for everything," James said during the NBA draft combine. "I worked hard to come back, so I believe I deserved the opportunity. I am immensely appreciative for all that has been provided to me." 

Bronny James participated in a scrimmage on Tuesday after engaging in exercises the day before, when his vertical jump was measured at 40 1/2 inches and his height without shoes at 6-foot-1 1/2, despite being classified by Southern California as 6-4. He also took questions from reporters, which he did not do the previous season. 

Bronny James, the son of NBA career-scoring leader LeBron James, was one of the nation's best prospects when he chose to stay close to home and pledge to USC last May after graduating from Sierra Canyon School in neighboring Chatsworth. However, things took an unexpected turn last summer. 

Bronny James has registered for NBA draft

James had cardiac arrest due to a congenital heart defect during a basketball session at USC in late July and required surgery. He was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles and then treated by experts at the Mayo Clinic and Atlantic Health-Morristown Medical Centre in New Jersey.  

James missed the opening month of the season. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 25 games for the Trojans. In a season affected by many player injuries, USC finished with a 15–18 record overall and an 8–12 record in the Pac-12. After three consecutive trips, the Trojans were not included in the NCAA Tournament, and head coach Andy Enfield departed to accept a position at SMU. 

Just hours before USC announced Eric Musselman as its new coach, on April 5, James registered for the draft and went through the transfer portal. He will have to make a decision later this month over whether to play one more year in college or become a pro.