Over the years, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant had formed a strong friendship, so it was only proper that Bryant’s last tweet was sent to James.
Saturday night, the Lakers played the 76ers. During that game, LeBron passed Kobe Bryant on the all-time scoring list, and Bryant sent a tweet to celebrate and pay his respects on the accomplishment…
Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020
The Highs and Lows
Ironically, when LeBron James passed Kobe on the scoring list, he was playing against Philadelphia, the city where Kobe was born.
Bryant was a hero in Philadelphia, and that fact surely struck James in the heart when he accomplished this monumental feat in Kobe’s hometown.
After the game, LeBron paid Kobe much respect and seemed at a loss for words over the accomplishment and the fact he had passed such a legend in the game.
LeBron stated, “Just admiring him for so many years and seeing him from afar, and then being able to be in practices with him, and me watching and learning — it’s just too much.
“The story is just too much. It doesn’t make sense.
“And just to make a long story short, now I’m here in a Lakers uniform in Philadelphia, where he’s from, where the first time I ever met him he gave me his shoes, it’s just surreal.
As it turns out, that tweet from Kobe to Lebron is the last tweet on Kobe’s timeline.
When Lebron arrived back in Los Angeles after the Philadelphia game, he was swept up in emotion, having just found out on the plane ride home that Kobe had been killed in that horrific crash.
Suddenly, it all came crashing in and LeBron was seen openly weeping into the arms of a woman when he arrived back LA…
LeBron James emotional as he exits the Lakers team plane following news of Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s death. 💔😢
More: https://t.co/vx4S8id04cpic.twitter.com/C2fdMoF4ef
— Complex (@Complex) January 27, 2020
Bryant was considered a hero, a mentor, and yes, one of the best to have ever played the game.
Rest in peace, Kobe.