LEBRON JAMES: KOBE’S LEGACY BECOMES MY RESPONSIBILITY
Former Cavaliers star LeBron James broke his silence late Monday night about the tragic death of his close friend, idol and mentor Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash Sunday morning.
James took to Instagram to express his feelings about Bryant, 41, and his 13-yearold daughter Gianna, who passed away along with seven others when Bryant’s helicopter went down in Calabasas, California while en route to Gianna’s basketball game.
Playing for the Lakers Saturday
night in Philadelphia against the 76ers, James passed Bryant and moved into third place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Bryant called James after the game, according to The Athletic, and other members of the Lakers listened in, according to reports.
Since Bryant’s death, James’ reaction had been only through video footage, which showed him crying when embraced after the Lakers’ flight landed.
“I’m Not Ready but here I go,” James wrote on Instagram. “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.”
In his second season with the Lakers, Bryant’s team for his entire 20-year career, James vowed to carry on Bryant’s legacy. Hall of Fame-bound Bryant retired after the 2015-16 season.
“I’m heartbroken and devastated my brother!!” James wrote. “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 s--- 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!!”
James ended the post with the hashtags #Mamba4Life and #Gigi4Life, followed by purple heart and prayer emojis. He also included a photo gallery of himself with Bryant over the years.