LeBron James shares an emotional Instagram post, pays tribute to Kobe Bryant

It’s hard to say goodbye to friends and close relatives but more difficult farewells are the ones when you are certain that the person whom you loved and are paying your tributes to, will be no longer around.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was very close to Bryant. More often than not, he was present at Staples Center to cheer the team on when LeBron and Lakers were in action. The 41-year-old was also in the house when the King moved passed him on the all-time NBA scoring list and didn’t waste a second to congratulate LeBron on the feat.

Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020

LeBron and his teammates learned about Bryant’s untimely death when on a flight home from Philadelphia. The King was seen weeping on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport, and beyond consolable while hugging his teammates. Needless to say that LeBron shared a unique rapport with Bryant, and now he has paid his tribute to his big brother in an emotional Instagram post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B72NUtWA0gS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“I’m not ready but here I go,” James posted on his Instagram account. “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!!”

It was Kobe who asked Lakers fans to embrace and love James as they loved him when the former Miami Heat switched his loyalties last summer. And though the first season didn’t go as planned, and more reasons for the fans, especially the “Kobe Bryant fraternity”, to draw a comparison and label the Black Mamba as the best to don famous Yellow Jersey.

But things have changed this season with James leading the charge for the Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers also made their first public comment since that fatal helicopter crash.

“The Los Angeles Lakers would like to thank all of you for the tremendous outpouring of support and condolences. This is a very difficult time for all of us. We continue to support the Bryant family and will share more information as it is available,” via Lakers.