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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 09: Los Angeles Lakers Guard Kobe Bryant and his wife Vanessa Bryant pose for a photo during a game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Washington Capitals at STAPLES Center on March 09, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NHLI via Getty Images)

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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 09: Los Angeles Lakers Guard Kobe Bryant and his wife Vanessa Bryant pose for a photo during a game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Washington Capitals at STAPLES Center on March 09, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NHLI via Getty Images)
Six former NBA players are set to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame soon. They will join the ranks of 436 other players who earned high levels of success playing professional basketball. Not only did they devote their lives to the game they were also among the best players of their time. Among the class of 2023 is one “brother” of Kobe Bryant.
As the 7’1 big takes his place amongst the inductees, the Mamba’s wife showed her support for the Spaniard.
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Vanessa Bryant highlights Pau Gasol to her social media following
A few hours ago, Vanessa Bryant took to her Instagram account to share a series of posts on her story. The first one was Pau Gasol’s own post, in which is holding his 23 jersey. It represented his place in the 2023 Hall of Fame class. Gasol made his emotions clear by captioning the post “Unbelievable feeling”.
Her second story also featured a post by Gasol, highlighting him beside a “Basketball Hall of Fame” poster with a serious expression. In an accompanying picture, the Spaniard could also be seen posing alongside three other inductees of the 2023 class: Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker and Dwyane Wade.
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Vanessa’s third story highlighted Gasol’s press conference. It was part of the events taking place before the main ceremony. Talking about the guy who is still dearly missed by NBA Fans around the world, Gasol mentioned the special relationship he shared with Kobe Bryant.
If Vanessa’s followers weren’t already teary-eyed by Gasol’s kind words, they would have lost it at her next story, which features a heartwarming picture of the championship-winning teammates together.
Vanessa’s last story featured a post from the official Instagram handle of the Los Angeles Lakers.
It highlighted the 7ft 1 player wearing the iconic Orange Jacket. The organizers present it to every incoming Hall of Famer prior to the main event.
Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol’s bond
Having joined the Lakers back in 2008, the Spaniard immediately formed a connection with the Mamba. Their chemistry on the court helped their team win back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010.
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DALLAS, TX – MARCH 12: Kobe Bryant #24 and Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers react after a 96-91 win against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 12, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Bryant retired in 2016. Even then, the duo kept in touch and formed a close bond with each other’s families as well. Kobe’s untimely death hit the 6x NBA All-Star hard but it didn’t stop him from supporting the ‘Bryants’ during this tough moment.
Even today, Vanessa keeps the much-acclaimed friendship alive in people’s minds through birthday messages, heartwarming videos and supportive gestures.
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Gasol will take his place and receive this prestigious honor soon. Fans will know that the family of his ‘Hermano’ will be looking on with a smile on their face.
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