LeBron James recently achieved another career milestone as he passed Kobe Bryant for third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Not to mention accomplishing the feat while a member of the Los Angeles Lakers and playing against Bryant’s hometown Philadelphia 76ers.

Hours after the game just before boarding a plane from Philly back to Los Angeles, LeBron spoke on the phone with Kobe, but by the time the Lakers’ team plane landed in LA, Kobe along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others perished in a helicopter crash just outside of Los Angeles.

 

LeBron took to Instagram to offer a heartfelt tribute to Kobe, writing:

 

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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❤️🙏🏾

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