The star-studded group formally arrived at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday night in Springfield, Massachusetts, and the inductees were given their highest award. In there was one heartfelt confession that stuck out, from the late Kobe Bryant‘s childhood friend and former Los Angeles Lakers icon Pau Gasol.
Gasol recalled that Bryant insisted on sitting up late and stopping by his hotel suite for a conversation the same night he arrived with the Lakers in Washington DC, after being acquired from the Grizzlies.
“He made sure that right away. Firsthand, I got the message,” Gasol said during his induction speech, “He said, “Welcome to the team. I’m happy you’re here. Now let’s go win a championship together.’ I said, ‘Alright I’m in man. I’m in. Have a good night.” That was it. No crap. Straight to the chase.”, Gasol said. (h/t via CBS News)
Gasol additionally addressed his bond with Gianna Bryant, who passed away in the helicopter tragedy in January 2020 along with her father.
Teammates. Friends. Brothers.
Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant. @Hoophall inductees.
📺: The #23HoopClass Enshrinement is live on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/lGWKjKwBYS
— NBA (@NBA) August 13, 2023
“I wouldn’t be here without you. brother. I wish more than anything that you and Gigi were here today with us“, Gasol sighed.
Gasol frequently talked about his close bond with Bryant during his address at the induction ceremony on Saturday. He referred to himself as a “brother” to Kobe’s wife Vanessa and an “uncle” to their kids.
The Lakers earned three straight trips to the NBA Finals following Gasol’s arrival in 2008. He received his induction into the Hall of Fame as a significant part of Spain’s national team and as a six-time All-Star, four-time All- NBA pick, Rookie of the Year awardee, and three-time Olympic medalist.
How was the relationship between Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant?
During the late 2000s and the beginning of the 2010s, Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant were undoubtedly the NBA’s top players. They served together in the Los Angeles Lakers from 2008 to 2014, winning two NBA championships together. Their bond was robust because of their shared regard and affinity, despite the fact that it was complicated.
Gasol and Bryant initially interacted in 2008 after the Lakers traded for Gasol via the Memphis Grizzlies. Bryant was a sensation at the time and a three-time NBA champion. Rising star Gasol wanted to have an enormous impact on the game.
Pau Gasol immediately had a good relationship with Kobe Bryant. 🤝🐍 pic.twitter.com/0FhR5219yv
— LakeShow (@LakeShowCP) May 20, 2020
They possessed a keen comprehension of the game and were both fierce competitors and winners-only players. Bryant’s scoring capability harmonized with Gasol’s passing abilities and stature. Gasol and Bryant selflessly guided the Lakers to back-to-back NBA championships in 2009 and 2010.
Gasol and Bryant grew as close companions off the court. They traveled together and spent time with their loved ones. In 2020, Gasol served as a pallbearer at Bryant’s funeral. Gasol has also talked extensively about his bond with Bryant in the years after his passing. According to him, Bryant was like a brother, and he will always remember their time spent together.