Los Angeles Lakers superstarLeBron Jamesis continuing to honor his “brother,” NBA legendKobe Bryant, who died alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant and seven othersin a helicopter crash on Sunday morning in Los Angeles.
On Tuesday — just hours before the Lakers were to face the L.A. Clippersin a now-postponed game— James took to Instagram to share a video of him greeting Bryant and Gianna during a recent game at Staples Center.
“My brother!! I love you man!!” he wrote.
The post included a series of emojis including a broken heart, along with a crown and snake emoji to symbolize James and Bryant, respectively. James also changed his profile picture to a photograph of Bryant and Gianna.
The post is only the second time James has reacted publically to their tragic deaths.
On Monday night, the 35-year-old posteda heartfelt message to social mediathat expressed his sorrow as well as his hopes to carry on Bryant’s legacy in Los Angeles.
“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!” James said of Bryant, who won five championships in 20 seasons as a Laker.
“it’s my responsibility to put this s— on my back and keep it going!!” James continued. “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 and Bryant shared a special moment the night before the deadly accident.
Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.John McCoy/Getty Images
During a game between the Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers, Jamespassed Bryant for third place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list— a monumental moment in his career.
That night, James worespecial shoes during the performancethat paid tribute to the Lakers legend. Later on, Bryant congratulated James on the milestone with a message on Instagram.
“On to #2 @kingjames! Keep growing the game and charting the path for the next,” Bryantwrote.
In the days before the big moment, Bryant spoke with theLos Angeles Timesabout James’ move to Los Angeles in 2018 and how he felt about his former rival joining the Lakers family.
“When LeBron came to Los Angeles, he is now a Laker, he is part of our brotherhood, part of our fraternity, and we should embrace him that way,” he said.“You got to celebrate… appreciate what he is as an athlete while he is here. Appreciate this guy, celebrate what he’s done because it’s truly remarkable.”
source: people.com
