Less than a day awaits the prestigious NBA Hall of Fame ceremony. The class is touted as one of the best as it involves legends who became synonymous with glory. One star even altered an entire franchise. In the process, he somehow saved the legacy of Kobe Bryant during his stint with the Los Angeles Lakers after Shaquille O’Neal. At least that is what an ESPN analyst feels.

The NBA insider claims it was this two-time NBA champion that became the saving angel for the storied franchise. Moreover, he even felt his dynamic with Bryant was the reason for the Mamba‘s post-Shaq legacy.

The man who saved Kobe Bryant and the Lakers

The 2023 Naismith Hall of Fame class includes the Spaniard Pau Gasol. The skillful big man established himself with his impeccable low-post offense and intensity. His legendary tale began with the Memphis Grizzlies. As a part of the franchise, he cemented himself as one of the most flexible bigs in the league. Then in 2008, his breakthrough moment came, rather it was the turning point for the Purple and Gold.

A “scandalous” trade as the expert claimed, was pulled off in secrecy. Memphis replaced Pau with his brother Marc. In the first wind, they found success, however, it was nowhere close to the peak of what was brewing in LA: a revolutionary partnership between Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.

Before the six-time All-Star, the Lake Show had the necessary injection of depth to compete. Lamar Odom went into top gear, and they also had a young Andrew Bynum. However, Gasol’s entrance completed the picture. The Los Angeles Lakers went from a formidable test to the indomitable threat to the throne.

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For three straight years, Gasol and Bryant won the West. In two of those trips, they won back-to-back champions. Gasol’s ferocious grit coupled with the Mamba’s maniacal competitiveness made them the perfect duo.

How Pau Gasol impacted the Mamba’s legacy

The Spaniard got his shot at competing for titles. But it was arguably much more significant for Kobe Bryant who was recouping with the loss of Shaquille O’Neal.

His one-liner after his fifth title conveyed his bliss at the moment. “I just got one more than Shaq,” the Mamba said with a grin.

With just days awaiting Pau Gasol’s Hall of Fame enshrinement, Brian Windhorst spoke passionately about the groundbreaking impact he had on Bryant’s legacy.

“Pau Gasol’s arrival saved Kobe Bryant’s last act as a Laker… Gasol’s arrival absolutely made everything fall into place. That team became an unstoppable force,” said the 45-year-old ESPN analyst.

In addition, he also believes it was this move that urged the Miami Heat to sign LeBron James and Chris Bosh. It was an assembly to tackle the Lakers who had wrecked the league for three years.

Do you believe Pau Gasol is one of Kobe Bryant’s best teammates? Let us know in the comments below.

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