LeBron James pens heartbreaking tribute to 'big bro' Kobe Bryant as he vows to 'continue your legacy'

Jacob Jarvis28 January 2020

Lakers star LeBron James has penned a heartbreaking tribute to his "big bro" Kobe Bryant, promising him: "I'll continue your legacy."

The 35-year-old was seen weeping at LAX after he touched down in the wake of Bryant's death and has since paid tribute to his former teammate.

As investigators continue work at the helicopter crash site where Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven other passengers were killed, James wrote: “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."

All stars: James and Bryant in competition in an east vs west match
Getty Images

James, who surpassed Bryant's points record on Saturday to become the third highest scoring player in NBA history, went on to talk of his disbelief that a conversation on Sunday was the last the pair would ever have.

“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," he said.

"I’m heartbroken and devastated my brother."

Kobe Bryant 1978-2020 | In pictures

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Expressing his condolences for the family Bryant left behind, he continued: “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!!”

Tributes to Kobe Bryant - In pictures

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The pair were known to have a close bond, with both considered two of the finest Lakers players of all time.

Before his tragic death, Bryant paid tribute to James' feat of beating his points record, telling him to go on to aim for the number two spot.

He wrote on Instagram: "Keep growing the game and charting the path for the next."

James had described Bryant as "one of the all-time greatest basketball players" as he said it was "surreal" to pass his record.

As fans the world over mourned Bryant, the Lakers’ game against city rivals the Clippers was postponed as a mark of respect following the helicopter crash tragedy and the fixture will now take place at a later date.

The Lakers made their first public comment since the tragedy with a brief statement on Monday which read: “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."

Thousands gathered in Los Angeles to pay tribute with a vigil outside the Staples Center - home of the shooting guard’s Lakers team.

Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva confirmed nine people, including the pilot, had died in the crash on Sunday.

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