Los Angeles Lakers player LeBron James has posted an emotional tribute to Kobe Bryant following the NBA veteran's death on Sunday.
James took to Instagram to express his feelings after Bryant, daughter Gianna, and seven others died in a helicopter crash in the Los Angeles hills.
Bryant was a five-time NBA champion who played for the Lakers throughout his 20-year career.
"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 wrote.
The Lakers' game against city rivals the Clippers was postponed as a mark of respect following the death of Bryant and his daughter.
The fixture will now take place at a later date.
"The National Basketball Association game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Clippers scheduled for Tuesday, January 28 at Staples Center has been postponed," a statement from the NBA read.
"The decision was made out of respect for the Lakers organisation, which is deeply grieving the tragic loss of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven other people in a helicopter crash on Sunday.
The Lakers made their first public comment since the tragedy with a brief statement on Monday.
"The Los Angeles Lakers would like to thank all of you for the tremendous outpouring of support and condolences. This is a very difficult time for all of us. We continue to support the Bryant family and will share more information as it is available," it said.
The news of Bryant's death sparked an outpouring of grief around the world as tributes flooded in with Michael Jordan, arguably basketball's most famous name, former US president Barack Obama and friend and former England football captain David Beckham among those to pay their respects.
Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva said nine people, including the pilot, had died in the crash but was awaiting the coroner's report before confirming any identities as it would be "inappropriate" to do so.
"He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply – and took great pride in his daughter's love for the game of basketball."
Obama sent love to the Bryant family following their loss.
He tweeted: "Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day."
