Read LeBron James' Emotional Tribute to Kobe Bryant

Temi Adebowale

January 28, 2020 4:40 PM

Kobe Bryant 's tragic death in a helicopter accident at the age of 41 still has the world reeling, and a number of celebrities and basketball players have expressed their sorrow online with tributes to Bryant , his daughter, and the seven other passengers killed in the crash .

LeBron James' Emotional Tribute to Kobe Bryant

One of the most poignant tributes to Bryant came from fellow basketball player LeBron James. James and Bryant played together on the 2008 and 2012 US Olympic teams, and James has widely been seen as the next player to take on Bryant's mantle as a basketball legend, especially after he joined the Los Angeles Lakersthe team that Bryant played for for an astounding 20 yearsin 2018.

And just a day before Bryant's passing, James surpassed him on the all-time NBA scoring list , and Bryant's last tweet was a congratulatory message to James.

James' tribute comes two days after Bryant's passing, and he wrote that it took him a while to put his thoughts together because he was so devastated. He also revealed that he had spoken to Bryant just hours before the tragic accident.

"I literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to LA. Didnt think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation wed have," James wrote. "WTF!! Im heartbroken and devastated my brother!!" He also promised to continue Bryant's legacy, and to represent for the Lakers.

Read James' statement in full below:

Temi Adebowale