Kobe Bryant ‘s last Instagram post was a tribute to LeBron James. The late basketball star provided the update on Saturday night, just after James surpassed Bryant’s all-time scoring record.
The Instagram post received more than 4.5 million likes by Sunday when news came in that Bryant had died tragically in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. A total of nine people were on board the chopper that crashed, leaving no survivors, including Bryant as well as Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna .
The Instagram post that was written the night before the tragedy included a photo of the two athletes taken during a game. James had been wearing his Los Angeles Lakers jersey while Bryant, who was at court-side, wore casual clothing. Both men were smiling.
Along with the photo, Bryant included a caption, telling James to go on to “#2,” talking about James’ achievement in passing Bryant’s number three spot for the all-time scoring record. In the caption, he also encouraged James to continue “growing the game.”
Initially, comments on the post were from fans who praised Bryant’s sportsmanship. However, as news of his untimely passing broke, comments on the post reflected sadness from fans and friends.
“We just talked big bro….. I’m speechless and hurting,” Olympic athlete Justin Gatlin commented, adding a sad face emoji before writing, “I’m thankful for your life and guidance.”
“So sad gone too soon legend prayers to your family,” a fan wrote.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7xOgFjnuiO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
“The world has lost a true legend. Set standards as an athlete and a human. Heartbreaking news,” Irish rugby player Greg O’ Shea wrote, adding a black heart emoji.
Clearly, many people are heartbroken over the sudden passing of the basketball star.
According to The Inquisitr , Kobe and Gianna were on their way to Mamba Academy in Thousand Oaks to attend a basketball practice when the helicopter crash occurred. Bryant was a coach for his daughter’s AAU basketball team, “The Mambas.”
Kobe and Gigi courtside breaking down the game ? pic.twitter.com/FxqSjVx6ew
— ESPN (@espn) December 22, 2019
Kobe Bryant’s NBA career began when he was just 17-years-old. At that time, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers by the Charlotte Hornets after the Los Angeles team chose him as a draft pick. During his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, he won five NBA championships. Three of those championships were during the years he played alongside Shaquille O’Neill .
Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa , who he married in 2001. He is also survived by three daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri.
