Los Angeles Lakers starLeBron Jamesappeared to debut a new tattoo in honor of the lateKobe Bryant, who died on Jan. 26 in a helicopter crash thatclaimed the lives of his 13-year-old daughter and seven more victims.
In a short video posted to his Instagram Story on Wednesday, James, 35, revealed he was in the process of getting a tattoo on his left thigh. Though James didn’t unveil the finished design, photographers caught a glimpse of his new body art during a team workout on Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, Lakers starAnthony Davisalso shared a video of himself receiving a similar tattoo from Aurelia, but he, too, hasn’t revealed what he received.
Aurelia did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
According toTMZ, James will debut the ink on social media this week, likely before the Lakers take on the Portland Trailblazers on Friday at Staples Center. The home game will be the first time the Lakers take to the court following the fatal crash.
Damian Dovarganes/AP
Though James has yet to address the media in-person following role model Bryant’s death, he postedthe first of two Instagram tributes to the 41-year-old on Monday night.
“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!” James said of Bryant, who won five championships in 20 seasons with the Lakers.
A close-up for LeBron James’ new tattoo.
“It’s my responsibility to put this s— on my back and keep it going!!” he continued. “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!!“
The next day, James uploaded a video of him greeting Bryant and Gianna during a recent game at Staples Center. “My brother!! I love you man!!” he wrote.
The night before Bryant’s death, James and Bryant shared a special moment.
During the Jan. 25 game between the Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers, James, who worespecial shoes during the performancethat paid tribute to Bryant,passed the Lakers legend for third place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Later on, Bryant congratulated James on the milestone with a message on Instagram. “On to #2 @kingjames!” Bryantwrote. “Keep growing the game and charting the path for the next.”
If you would like to help the families of the other victims of the crash, consider donating to theMamba on Three Fund. Donations to theMamba Sports Foundationwill help support youth sports.
source: people.com
