*LeBron James paid tribute Kobe Bryant in a social media post which noted his heartache over the loss of his longtime friend.
“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!” James wrote on Instagram.
Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna (GiGi) were among those who tragically died in a helicopter accident in Calabasas, California on January 26.
“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,” wrote James. “WTF!! I’m heartbroken and devastated my brother!!”
Read his full Instagram post below.
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James also sent his love to Bryant’s wife Vanessa and her daughters with Kobe, before vowing to carry on the NBA icon’s legacy.
“Please give me the strength from the heavens above and watch over me!” he wrote.
As reported by KTLA.com, James passed Bryant on the NBA’s all-time scoring list Saturday night when he scored his 33,644th point during the Lakers vs 76ers game.
Bryant’s last tweet and Instagram post paid homage to James.
“On to #2 @kingjames! Keep growing the game and charting the path for the next,” he wrote.
Magic Johnson also paid tribute to the Laker’s legend in a series of tweets.
“My friend, a legend, husband, father, son, brother, Oscar winner and greatest Laker of all-time is gone. It’s hard to accept. Kobe was a leader of our game, a mentor to both male and female players,” Johnson wrote. “He was such an icon but also did so much for LA. He was passionate about serving the homeless and was an advocate for women’s basketball. Coaching his daughter’s basketball team brought him so much happiness.”
In a Twitter video, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar reflected on his 30-year relationship with Bryant, calling him an “incredible athlete and leader in a lot of ways. He inspired a whole generation of young athletes.”
The L.A. Clippers released the following statement from the team’s front office advisor Jerry West: “I am so saddened for Kobe’s parents, Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, Capri, Kobe’s sisters and all of the NBA fans that hold Kobe in their hearts. I watched him grow from an energetic kid into the man he became, making a difference in so many people’s life. He has left the world a better place.”
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