Hours before Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash that rocked the world, the Lakers legend spoke with LeBron James on the phone to congratulate the Lakers star on passing him to become the third-highest scorer in NBA history.

Several current Lakers players listened into the call, according to The Athletic, which James said took place Sunday morning.

Bryant, 41, was among nine killed Sunday morning in the crash about 30 miles outside of Los Angeles.

The five-time NBA champion’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, also was killed as they were traveling to Bryant’s basketball practice facility.

“literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to LA. Didn’t think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation we’d have,” James wrote Monday on Instagram. “WTF!! I’m heartbroken and devastated my brother!!”

On Saturday, Bryant paid tribute to James on social media after his close friend surpassed him in the NBA record books during a game in Bryant’s hometown of Philadelphia.

“Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames,” Bryant tweeted. Much respect my brother #33644.” (Bryant finished his career with 33,644 points, while James currently is at 33,655 points.)

It was during the Lakers’ flight back to Los Angeles on Sunday when James and his teammates learned of Bryant’s death.

“Everyone is in shock,” a team source told ESPN on Sunday.

James was spotted tearing up and hugging multiple people after finding out about the crash, which occurred amid a dense fog and currently is under investigation by local authorities.

While only Dwight Howard of the current Lakers players played alongside Bryant in the NBA, many if not all of them have been touched by the future Hall of Famer.

James and Bryant, widely considered two of the best NBA players of the past 20 years, won gold medals for Team USA at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

To honor Bryant, the NBA postponed the Lakers-Clippers game on Tuesday, which would have been the Lakers’ first game since the accident. (The date of the makeup game has not yet been announced.)

The Lakers, who are slated to play the Trail Blazers at home on Friday, brought in counselors to help members of the organization mourn. Bryant retired from the NBA in 2016.