Getty Images | John McCoy

LeBron James Gets A 'Black Mamba' Tattoo In Honor Of Kobe Bryant

On Sunday January 26th, the world was shocked to hear about the tragic passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant in a helicopter accident in Los Angeles. Among the eight other casualties of the accident was Kobe's 13-year-old daughter, Gigi.

LeBron James, a fellow Laker and longtime friend of Kobe's, shared a touching tribute on Instagram.

Instagram | @kingjames

"I’m Not Ready but here I go," LeBron wrote. "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!"

"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!!" he shared.

"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!!"

LeBron has now gotten a tattoo to honor Kobe's legacy.

Kobe Bryant famously went by the nickname "The Black Mamba," after the snake who strikes with 99.9% accuracy, and LeBron has now shown off a new thigh tattoo of a black mamba with writing underneath it.

While it's not perfectly clear what the writing says, fans think it reads either "Kobe for life" or "Mamba for life."

What a wonderful tribute to someone so incredibly important to LeBron, and also to the world at large.

Have you ever gotten a memorial tattoo? Let us know in the comments!