Fans and friends continue to mourn the sudden loss of Kobe Bryant following a helicopter crash on Sunday which claimed his life and the lives of eight others, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant.
Understandably, LeBron James has been struggling with the loss of his longtime friend and fellow Los Angeles Lakers player, but he now has a permanent reminder of #24 on his body.
Related: Kobe Bryant Discusses His ‘Inspiring Kids’ In His Final Interview
On Wednesday, the 35-year-old shared a brief video to his Instagram Story while he received a new tattoo on his thigh. While he did not show the finished design, some photographers caught a glimpse (see the photos HERE) of his fresh ink during a Lakers team workout on Thursday.
Although the new body art is covered by a clear bandage, it appears to be a snake, in reference to the late icon’s “Black Mamba” nickname, along with the words “Mamba 4 Life.” We cannot imagine the pain he is going through. Fellow player Anthony Davis also shared a clip of him receiving a tattoo from artist Vanessa Aurelia, but has yet to reveal it.
According to TMZ, James will debut his tribute to Kobe on social media ahead of the NBA team’s game at the Staples Center on Friday against the Portland Trailblazers. This match will be the first time the Lakers take the court following Sunday’s accident, and we can only imagine how incredibly emotional it will be.
As we previously reported, LeBron penned an emotional tribute to the late athlete on IG, leaving many heartbroken all over again. He 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!! ?????.”
The father of three continued:
“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 shit 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❤️??”
Our hearts go out to all who are suffering following this horrific tragedy.
[Image via Adriana M. Barraza/Apega/WENN & Jimmy Kimmel Live/YouTube.]
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