LeBron James mourns his friend and NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who died—along with his daughter Gianna and seven other people—in a helicopter crash on Sunday.
LeBron took to Instagram to offer a heartfelt tribute to Kobe, writing:
“I’m Not Ready but here I go. Man I sitting here trying to write something for this post but every time I try I begin crying again just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/brotherhood we had! I literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to LA. Didn’t think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation we’d have. WTF!! I’m heartbroken and devastated my brother!! 😢😢😢😢💔. Man I love you big bro. My heart goes to Vanessa and the kids. I promise you I’ll continue your legacy man! You mean so much to us all here especially #LakerNation💜💛 and it’s my responsibility to put this shit on my back and keep it going!! Please give me the strength from the heavens above and watch over me! I got US here! There’s so much more I want to say but just can’t right now because I can’t get through it! Until we meet again my brother!! #Mamba4Life❤️🙏🏾 #Gigi4Life❤️🙏🏾”
James and Bryant are two legendary figures who have defined a generation of basketball for millions of fans. There was nothing but mutual respect between the two, especially after James joined the Lakers franchise that Bryant led for so many years.
While they were never teammates in the NBA, they helped lead the United States to a gold medal in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
In Bryant’s final tweet on Saturday, he congratulated James for passing him as the third-highest scorer in NBA history during the Lakers’ game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020
Many of Kobe’s former teammates and friends also shared stories and condolences, including Shaq, the Obamas, Magic Johnson, Kanye, Michael Jordan, drake and more.