Just a day away from the most awaited Hall of Fame induction, Spanish legend Pau Gasol shared his thoughts on receiving the highest career honor. The former Los Angeles Lakers Lakers star’s rivalry with his fellow HOF mates was a treat to watch back then. The 43-year-old had the opportunity to take revenge on this year’s inductees except one. It is surprising to know Gasol never had success against this German legend despite having a decorative resume. Although he publicly agreed to it, Gasol was sweet enough to credit the 7-foot champion ahead of their big night.
2-time NBA champion Gasol had an incredible run during the late 2000s. However, both he and his late buddy Kobe Bryant got walked past on their chance for a three-peat.
Despite never having success against a Hall of Famer, Pau Gasol shows love to him?
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The Lakers added two more championships to their bag by roping in Pau Gasol in 2008. Sparking an unbeatable chemistry with Kobe Bryant, the two went on to take revenge on every dominant team in the league like the San Antonio Spurs, the Boston Celtics, and more, except for the Dallas Mavericks.?
Gasol took his revenge in the playoffs against the new Hall of Famers, Tony Parker, and Dwyane Wade. Yet, not against Dirk Nowitzki, who single-handedly gave the Lakers an embarrassing defeat in 2011.
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The 53-year-old revealed, “For European basketball, I think this class is an incredible accomplishment… It’s very special to share this moment with Dirk and Tony…it was something that was unthinkable.”??
"It's very special to share this moment with Dirk and Tony…it was something that was unthinkable."
Pau reflects on how international hoops has came a long way 💯 pic.twitter.com/BVAp6CNZG7
— NBA TV (@NBATV) August 11, 2023
Gasol has never defeated the 2011 champion in the postseason, but still went on to share some wholesome words on their honorable moment.
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Gasol publicly revealed how Nowitzki embarrassed him and the Lakers
The Lakers were an unstoppable force back in 2011. So was Nowitzki. Bryant and Gasol surpassed the Hornets easily in the first round of the 2011 Western Conference playoffs. However, they got crushed in the second, as the 2007 MVP’s Mavs swept them 4-0. Moreover, the German sensation went on to win his only championship in the same postseason run.
Gasol has one more championship than the German on his resume. Sadly, he never got the chance to match up against Nowitzki or the Mavericks in the postseason after 2011. He revealed in an interview back in January this year, “Since you know every time I have faced him in the playoffs, he’s always got me.”
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Though this is something Gasol might never be able to change, he had the heart to credit Nowitzki’s impeccable talent ahead of the HOF night. What are your thoughts on this story? Share in the comments below.?