LeBron James has broken his silence on the tragic passing of his close friend and fellow NBA legend, Kobe Bryant.
Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others were aboard a helicopter that crashed in California on Sunday.
The other victims included Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his daughter Alyssa Altobelli and wife Keri Altobelli, assistant girls basketball coach from Harbor Day Christina Mauser, mother-daughter duo Sarah and Payton Chester, as well as the helicopter’s pilot Ara Zobayan.
Since the news of Bryant’s passing, celebrities and fellow athletes have been sharing their condolences on social media.
Shaquille O’Neal was one of Bryant’s first friends to break their silence.
“There are no words to express the pain I’m going through now with this tragic and sad moment of loosing my niece Gigi & my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie,” Shaquille wrote.
“I love you and you will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW!”
He went on to discuss the close relationship they had built over the years.
“Kobe was so much more than an athlete, he was a family man. That was what we had most in common. We love our families. Whenever we got together I would hug his children like they were my own and he would embrace my kids like they were his.”
“His baby girl Gianna was born on the same day as my youngest daughter Me’Arah. I miss you already brother. This is truly unbelievable. Everyone please keep the Bryant’s in your prayers. R.I.P.”
Now, LeBron James is speaking out in memory of his close friend.
“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!” LeBron began.
“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 [explective] on my back and keep it going!!”
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“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,” he concluded.
Fans noticed that LeBron changed his Instagram profile picture to a picture of Kobe and Gianna.
A beautiful tribute.
