Former Lakers Teammate Pau Gasol Says He Hopes Kobe Bryant Will ‘Be Watching’ As He Continues Career Resurgence

Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol will go down as one of the best duos in NBA history. In 2007, the Lakers traded players and draft picks (including the rights for current Laker and Pau’s brother Marc Gasol) to Memphis to secure Gasol. Gasol was the star that would help Kobe Bryant bring more championships to the Lakers. Bryant had another major star as a teammate since Shaquille O’Neal. And as Gasol makes his comeback in basketball, he hopes Kobe is keeping an eye on him.

Pau Gasol on Kobe Bryant

Former Los Angeles Lakers star and current Barcelona player Pau Gasol spoke about his experience with Kobe Bryant. He noted that Bryant helped him become a winner with his leadership. The trio played in three consecutive NBA Finals but never had a very verbal relationship. Pau praised Kobe’s dedication to the game, and how he would constantly till the final buzzer. Bryant was one of the most determined players in NBA history, never giving up on his team.

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“We played three Finals together but Kobe really didn’t say a whole lot. He just brought the mindset and the aggressiveness and the leadership on the court. I’m just trying to enjoy this and do my best. Kobe played as hard as he could. He was always himself until the very last game, as we all saw.”

Gasol making a comeback

Gasol added that as he makes his comeback with his home club Barcelona, he is doing his best to stay ready. Pau, now in his 40s, is trying to ensure that he contributes well to the team and serves his teammates and his coaches in order to get the win. He added that Bryant was one of the best players in the history of basketball and that his friend would continue to watch him as he makes his return to the game.

“I’m just going to try to be me and try to complement what my coach and teammates need. That’s all I’m trying to do here. This is a special opportunity. He was one of the greatest players ever. Hopefully, he’ll be watching.”

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Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol went to three NBA Finals together and won two consecutive NBA Finals in 2009 and 2010. They are one of the best duos in Lakers’ and NBA history.