LeBron James broke his silence over the tragic death of Kobe Bryant — along with Kobe’s daughter Gianna and seven other people — with a very heartfelt post on Instagram on Monday night.
James said that he’s “heartbroken and devastated,” and that he begins “crying again just thinking about [Kobe], niece Gigi, and the friendship/bond/brotherhood [they] had.”
James added that he promises “he will continue [Kobe’s] legacy.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B72NUtWA0gS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
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 is in his second season in a Lakers uniform, after Bryant put together a legendary 20-year career — winning five championships — with the Lakers from 1996-2016. The two were teammates together on the 2008 and 2012 Team USA teams.
On the night before Bryant’s death, James passed Bryant for third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Bryant’s final tweet was in response to James’ achievement.
Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020
After that game (Saturday), James spoke of his appreciation of Bryant.
LeBron reflects on his favorite Kobe memories and the impact the Mamba has had on his life 🤝 pic.twitter.com/UDBYdttSli
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 26, 2020
The NBA has postponed Tuesday night’s Lakers-Clippers game at Staples Center.
