LeBron James on TIME100 Cover, Credits Son’s Cardiac Rescue

Time Magazine Honors LeBron James

This summer has been jam‑packed for LeBron James as he awaits his next NBA destination, but the spotlight shifted to a different honor when his face graced the cover of Time magazine’s “TIME100 Most Influential People in Sports.” The recognition arrived just before his highly anticipated announcement about where he will play next season. In a candid, unrehearsed talk he connected the dots between sports, personal growth, and the pivotal role of his family.

Son’s Life‑Saving Cardiac Episode

LeBron’s eldest son, Bronny, spent the 2023‑24 academic year at the University of Southern California, where he endured a sudden cardiac arrest during a summer basketball workout on July 24, 2023. Doctors diagnosed a functionally significant congenital heart defect, a scare that reminded the family of Damar Hamlin’s high‑profile cardiac event. In his TIME100 speech, LeBron publicly thanked the USC coaching staff and medical team, saying, “If it wasn’t for the coaching staff and the medical team… we’d possibly be sitting here without our son.” He emphasized how quick action likely saved Bronny’s life and turned a potential tragedy into a powerful family moment.

Bronny James’ NBA Debut and Contract

After a full recovery, Bronny suited up for his freshman season with the Trojans, albeit in limited minutes, before declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft. He was selected 55th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, creating the league’s first father‑son duo to play together on the court. The Lakers guaranteed Bronny’s rookie contract for $2.3 million on June 30, and the 21‑year‑old now carries a deal that includes a team option to keep him through the 2028 season.

Bronny’s First NBA Stats (2025‑26)

During his sophomore campaign, Bronny James posted modest averages of 2.9 points, 1.2 assists, and 0.5 steals per game, averaging 8.9 minutes of action. He netted the ball at a 40.9 % clip from the field, connected on 38.6 % of his three‑point attempts, and converted 85.7 % of free throws. Those numbers illustrate a gradual buildup typical of a player adjusting to the professional level.

LeBron’s Call for Youth Cardiac Safety

Beyond the court, LeBron used his platform to push for broader awareness about cardiac health among young athletes. He urged schools and clubs to ensure defibrillators and emergency response training are readily available for kids from elementary through college levels. By sharing his family’s experience, he turned a personal crisis into a public call to action, stressing that “it’s very important, super, super important” to have these lifesaving tools in place.