This is especially true for those in the basketball community who lost not only their former teammate but a brother, mentor, and beacon of excellence to many who looked up to him. Every player in the NBA was hit hard by Bryant’s tragic passing and has since found their own ways to pay tribute to his memory and the other precious lives that were lost in the ill-fated helicopter crash on January 26. 

Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Lou Williams is the latest to send up an ode to his dearly departed friend in the form of a letter sung from the depths of his heart. Williams exclusively premiered the song through Complex on Thursday (Feb. 13) ahead of the release of his new EP, Syx Piece, which dropped on Friday (Feb. 14). Speaking to the publication about the song, Williams shared that he “wanted to write an open letter to a dear friend of mine.”

Previously, the Memphis-born basketball player opened up about how he was impacted by the late NBA icon’s passing on Twitter last month.

“Been crying on and off. Have a random thought about things we spoke about then laugh. Cry again,” Williams tweeted, still shell-shocked one day after TMZ’s report. “Then I tell myself [to] tighten up, Mamba was tough. Wipe my eyes. Cry again. RIP KOBE.” 

RELATED:2020 NBA All-Star Weekend: Remembering Kobe and Gianna Bryant

Titled “24,” a nod to Kobe’s signature number during his career run with the Los Angeles Lakers, Williams is joined by Def Jam signee Landstrip Chip and Houston singer-songwriter Mitchelle’l on the single. Philadelphia DJ Don Cannon handled the track’s production. 

“Mamba mentality I'm just tryna' be great,” he starts the track, according to Complex. “Look at my wrist you see a trophy/ I'm just tryna' be like Kobe.” Elsewhere, Williams also pays tribute to Gigi with a nod to her walking in the same footsteps as her father. 

Listen to Lou Williams’ single, “24” below.