Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James turned emotional after news broke out that rapper and businessman Nipsey Hussle was pronounced dead after getting shot outside an L.A. store.

LeBron took it to social media to express his grief and shared an emotional message for the rapper.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvsXZMkAlQb/

LeBron James joined the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. Nipsey Hussle, whose real name is Ermias Asghedom, is a massive Lakers fan. Therefore, it's no surprise the two became close — or at least closer than they already were before the season.

Nipsey is a West Coast legend. He has countless mixtapes and albums and was highly respected in the Hip Hop community.

The rapper wasn't just respected for his rap, though. He was by all accounts someone that was doing his best to improve his community and the lives of those around him.

LeBron James is obviously a fan of the rap world, having just worked on an album with artist 2 Chainz. Befriending the rapper was probably something James cherished and clearly this untimely death hurt him.

Like many others, this is a sad time for James. It's hard on everyone, but especially those that knew Nipsey personally.

Ermias Asghedom was beloved by many people. It's unfair that he was taken from this world so early. Sadly, there's nothing anyone can say that will make what happened right. Hopefully, LeBron James and Nipsey's family and friends will find peace one day.

His legacy will live on through his music and the stories of his loved ones.