LeBron James Breaks Silence On Kobe Bryant’s Death With Instagram Post

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James went radio silent for more than 24 hours following the death of friend and longtime competitor Kobe Bryant.

Bryant was one of nine killed in a tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas, California Sunday. His 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others also died.

James and the Lakers heard the news on the team plane home from their game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night, and was visibly emotional getting off the team plane. James, however, broke his silence Monday night, sharing his thoughts in a tribute to Bryant on Instagram.

“I’m heartbroken and devastated my brother!!” James wrote, adding, “Please give me the strength from the heavens above and watch over me!”

You can read the full post here:

View this post on Instagram

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❤️??

A post shared by LeBron James (@kingjames) on Jan 27, 2020 at 6:43pm PST

Weirdly enough, James passed Bryant on the NBA’s all-time scoring list on Saturday night against the 76ers. He and Bryant talked after the game just hours before Bryant’s death.

As James and the Lakers continue to grieve the tragedy, the NBA has postponed the Lakers’ game against the Los Angeles Clippers originally scheduled for Tuesday.