Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James had just passed Kobe Bryant for 3rd on the all-time scoring list when the news of the NBA legend's death sent shockwaves across the world. James, like many others, was tattered and heartbroken by the news which stunned the entire league. The King left the following message in honor of his fallen friend.

"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 sh*t 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!!"

When Bryant's former teammate Shaquille O'Neal heard the news, he first thought it was a hoax. O'Neal's son showed him an online report of Bryant and daughter Gianna being killed in a helicopter crash and the former Laker was in disbelief. O'Neal immediately dismissed the reports as a prank and revealed on his podcast, "I figured someone was just playing around. I didn't want to believe it." It wasn't until friends began calling him the news finally set in...

When the news was officially confirmed, O'Neal's heart sank. He stated, “[It was] sad enough [to lose Kobe], then you hear his daughter was with him. I haven’t eaten. I haven’t slept. I’m looking at all the tapes, but I’m sick right now.”

O'Neal then posted a series of videos and photos of Bryant on Instagram to honor his friend.




As a result of the tragedy, tonight's Clippers vs. Lakers game at the Staples Center has been postponed.