LeBron James has paid tribute to Kobe Bryant in an emotional message on Instagram.Bryant passed away on Sunday in a helicopter crash that killed nine people in total, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.James and Bryant were close friends - Bryant’s final tweet was dedicated to the Los Angeles Lakers star - and James has now taken to Instagram to express his sadness, revealing that the pair had spoken on Sunday morning.The 35-year-old posted a series of photos of him with Bryant.He also wrote: “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 s*** 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❤️🙏🏿”.

James and Bryant were never teammates in the NBA but they led the United States to a gold medal at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics together.

And James joined the franchise that Bryant led for so many years when he joined the Lakers in 2018.

The NBA has confirmed that the Lakers’ game against the LA Clippers, scheduled for Tuesday, has been cancelled in the wake of Bryant’s death.