The world lost one its greatest and most accomplished athletes in  in Calabasas, California, Sunday morning (Jan. 26). The 41-year-old is one the most decorated NBA players all-time earning a total five NBA Championships, two Olympic Gold medals, eighteen NBA All-Star honors, and one Most Valuable Player Award. However, while his accomplishments might be revered by the general public and basketball enthusiasts, the people that were closest to him are immeasurably more grief-stricken by his tragic death. Especially, his longtime teammate, friend, and brother, Shaquille O’Neal. 

Shaq took to his Instagram account this afternoon to post a picture the two during their early days in purple and gold and briefly expressed his feelings about the loss former Laker-teammate, Kobe Bryant, in a caption stating:

“There are no words to express the pain I’m going through now with this tragic and sad moment losing my niece Gigi & my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie. I love you and you will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW!”

, his daughter Gigi, and all those aboard the helicopter that crashed, the Bryant family is without its leader and Shaq is without his brother. One half basketball’s greatest one-two punch combo is no longer with us in the physical form but his accolades, drive, and aura will forever live on in the city Los Angeles and every time anyone decides to pick up a basketball. 

Check out Shaq’s heartbreaking post in memoriam his brother, Kobe Bryant, below.