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    LeBron James reveals his heartbreak over his last phone call with Kobe Bryant hours before deadly helicopter crash

    TEARFUL LeBron James is heartbroken over his last phone call with Kobe Bryant that took place just hours before the deadly helicopter crash.

    James last spoke with Bryant on Sunday morning in a call which he never expected would be their “last conversation,” he revealed in a Monday Instagram post.

    LeBron James has posted an emotional statement after the death of his friend and mentor Kobe Bryant11LeBron James has posted an emotional statement after the death of his friend and mentor Kobe BryantCredit: Getty LeBron - now at the Lakers - has vowed to continue Kobe's legacy11LeBron – now at the Lakers – has vowed to continue Kobe’s legacyCredit: Getty

    He vowed to continue Kobe Bryant’s legacy in a heartbreaking statement following the NBA legend’s shock death.

    Bryant, 41, died alongside 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash near Calabasas, California, on Sunday.

    LeBron, 35, found out about his old friend’s death after his plane landed in Los Angeles – and was seen in tears as he walked across the tarmac.

    James was back in LA having just overtaken Bryant to become the third-highest points scorer in NBA history – in the latter’s home town of Philadelphia.

    On his historic night, LeBron had poignantly etched the words “Mamba 4 Life” on his sneakers, a nod to Bryant’s “Black Mamba” nickname.

    Bryant and daughter Gigi died in a helicopter crash on Sunday11Bryant and daughter Gigi died in a helicopter crash on SundayCredit: Instagram / @kobebryant LeBron James took over from his mentor Kobe Bryant on the court11LeBron James took over from his mentor Kobe Bryant on the courtCredit: Getty

    And Kobe’s final tweet was a congratulatory message for his friend and rival for the greatest of all time title.

    Bryant wrote: “Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother.”

    In an emotional statement posted on Instagram, LeBron attempted to get his feelings down, writing through the tears.

    James – now at the Lakers, Bryant’s home for 20 years – 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”

    Bryant famously passed the torch to LeBron towards the end of his career, as James became the new superstar – with Kobe himself taking it from fellow legend Michael Jordan.

    And even before Bryant’s death, James paid tribute to his friend, on-court rival and mentor.

    LeBron said: “When I was a kid, I was at high school, I was going up through the ranks when Kobe came into the league.

    “As I started playing more ball… the things that he was doing on the floor, I admired and wanted to be a part of.

    “I went to ABCD [Basketball] Camp, and he came and talked to all the kids that was there, and I happened to be one of [them].

    “And I remember one thing that he said. He was like: ‘If you want to be one of the greats, you got to put the work in. There’s no substitution for work.’

    “And I was a 15-year-old kid. As I got drafted, I still just admired him. Seeing what he was able to accomplish.

    “Just seeing the work ethic. The work ethic that he put into the game.”

    Kobe and LeBron won gold together at the 2008 and 2012 OlympicsKobe and LeBron won gold together at the 2008 and 2012 OlympicsCredit: Getty11

    LeBron and Kobe never played together in the NBA – but were team-mates for Team USA as they won gold at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

    James, after spending his career at the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, is now at the Lakers.

    And his vow to carry on Bryant’s legacy will mean everything to the proud, historic organisation – and Kobe fans across the world.

    Bryant won five NBA titles at the Lakers, including three in a row between 2000 and 2002Bryant won five NBA titles at the Lakers, including three in a row between 2000 and 2002Credit: Getty LeBron wrote his statement through tears at the loss of his friendLeBron wrote his statement through tears at the loss of his friendCredit: Getty

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