In an emotional Instagram post on Monday, LeBron James mourned his friend Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash along with eight other people on Sunday. In his message, the Lakers star paid tribute to his “friendship/bond/brotherhood” with Bryant, and vowed “I’ll continue your legacy man.”
“I’m Not Ready but here I go,” James wrote. “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!!”
James continued, saying that he is heartbroken and devastated” by Bryant’s death my brother!! “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 sh-t 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!!”
See his full post below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B72NUtWA0gS
Bryant’s unexpected death came less than a day after James passed him to become the third best scorer in NBA history. After the record-securing game, James told reporters “I’m happy just to be in any conversation with Kobe Bryant, one of the all-time greatest basketball players to ever play, one of the all-time greatest Lakers. The man has two jerseys hanging up in Staples Center. It’s just crazy.”