LeBron James Shares Emotional Tribute To Kobe Bryant: “I’m Heartbroken And Devastated”
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LeBron James has written a heartfelt tribute to Kobe Bryant, saying he is devastated after the retired Los Angeles Lakers star and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were killed in a helicopter crash Sunday morning.
James took to Instagram tonight and admitted he’s “heartbroken,” but will do his absolute best to carry on Bryant’s legacy.
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“I’m Not Ready but here I go. Man I[‘m] 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 began.
The post included a photo gallery showing the two NBA legends sharing an embrace, shaking hands, and standing side-by-side as part of the U.S. Olympic team.
“I literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to L.A. 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!!” James added. “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!!”
James, who is the Lakers’ star forward, concluded with a prayer asking for strength to carry on.
“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.”
A post shared by LeBron James (@kingjames) on Jan 27, 2020 at 6:43pm PST
James and Bryant also are linked in that they are the biggest stars to have joined the NBA right out of high school.
Bryant’s final tweet on January 25 was even about James. “Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother,” he tweeted.
On Sunday, James was seen weeping on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport after the LA Lakers learned on a flight home that Bryant had died.
In addition to Kobe and Gianna Bryant losing their lives in Sunday’s crash in Calabasas, CA were pilot Ara Zobayan, Orange Coast College head baseball coach John Altobelli; his wife Keri Altobelli; their 13-year-old daughter Alyssa Altobelli; Christina Mauser, a basketball coach at Harbor Day School in Newport Beach, CA; Payton Chester, a basketball teammate of Gianna Bryant’s; and her mother, Sarah Chester.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
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