LeBron James is the latest athlete to pay homage to Kobe Bryant in light of the NBA legendâs tragic death.
The Los Angeles Lakers star took to Instagram on Monday (January 27) with a special tribute for Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday along with eight other passengers, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
âIâm Not Ready but here I go,â LeBron started in his tribute on Instagram. âMan 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!â
"I literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to LA," he continued. "Didnât think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation weâd have. WTF!! Iâm heartbroken and devastated my brother!! đąđąđąđąđ. Man I love you big bro.â
âMy heart goes to Vanessa and the kids. I promise you Iâll continue your legacy man! You mean so much to us all here especially #LakerNationđđ and itâs my responsibility to put this sât on my back and keep it going!!â the 35-year-old went on, before concluding with: "Please give me the strength from the heavens above and watch over me! I got US here! Thereâs so much more I want to say but just canât right now because I canât get through it! Until we meet again my brother!! #Mamba4Lifeâ€ïžđđŸ #Gigi4Lifeâ€ïžđđŸâ
In reaction to the tragedy, James broke down in tears on video as he landed at LAX shortly after reports of Bryantâs passing. Whatâs sadder, Bryantâs final tweet (on January 25) was him giving James his blessing: âContinuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother đȘđŸ #33644.â
RIP Kobe
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