When you think about dynamic duos in NBA history, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol have to be on that list. Together, they helped the Los Angeles Lakers secure back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. But their connection went far beyond the court.

They weren’t just teammates—they were brothers. Gasol has often spoken about their bond, and Kobe’s tragic passing in 2020 left a void that still lingers. As the Spaniard was set to join basketball’s greatest in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, he couldn’t help but reflect on Kobe’s influence.

Pau Gasol on Kobe Bryant’s contribution to his Hall of Fame honor

Speaking to LA Times reporter Broderick Turner, Gasol shared in 2023 how instrumental Bryant was in shaping his career. “Can you imagine being pushed every single day to be the best? That’s what Kobe did for me,” he said as per an article by Lakers Nation. “He didn’t just want me to be good—he wanted me to be the best power forward in the league, every single night. I was so fortunate to join the Lakers when I did. To have him as a teammate, a mentor, and an older brother.” 

The 6x All Star further stated he would miss Black Mamba tremendously the moment he receives the Hall of Fame honor. “He played such a huge role in this honor I’m receiving. Of course, I wish he could be here to celebrate it with me,” he said. It’s hard not to feel the weight of Gasol’s words. Bryant’s relentless drive clearly left a mark on him, not just as a player but as a person.

And while Kobe wasn’t there to witness Pau Gasol’s incredible achievement, the legacy of their friendship still lives on in more ways than one. The 6x All Star’s relationship with the Bryant family is proof of that. Whether it’s supporting Vanessa Bryant and her daughters at key events or being there for life’s everyday moments, Gasol and his wife Catherine McDonnell have embraced Kobe Bryant’s family as their own. A bond that goes both ways, filled with love and mutual respect.

Perhaps the most touching example of this connection is the name of Pau’s daughter, Elisabet Gianna Gasol, a heartfelt tribute to Black Mamba and Vanessa’s late daughter, Gianna. For the 2x NBA champ, the bond he shares with the Bryants is clearly unshakable.

“It’s a blessing,” he said as per an article by Lakers Nation. “To be an uncle to Vanessa’s daughters, to have her as the godmother of our daughter—it’s forever. That kind of love, the kind Kobe brought into all our lives, it’s unique. It’s something I’ll always cherish.” Kobe Bryant may no longer be with us, but his impact—on the court, on Pau Gasol, and on the people he loved—remains timeless.

However, it’s not as if it was just the Black Mamba influence that helped Gasol earn the Hall of Fame honor. If anything, Bryant needed a reliable teammate just as much to win championships when he found one in Gasol.

A closer look at Gasol’s achievements and prowess that made him HOF worthy

When the Lakers pulled off a blockbuster trade on February 1, 2008, acquiring Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies, the basketball world took notice. The Spaniard didn’t just bring size to LA, but the skill, leadership, and a deep understanding of the game. It was a move that instantly paid off, propelling the Lakers to three consecutive NBA Finals and back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010 alongside Kobe Bryant.

The 6x All Star was the perfect partner for Kobe. His finesse in the post, high basketball IQ, and selfless style of play made him indispensable. A six-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection, Gasol averaged 17.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists over his 17-year career.

And even off the court, Gasol’s influence was just as significant. He earned the 2011-12 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award for his humanitarian efforts, including work with UNICEF and other charitable organizations. It’s a popular belief that the Hall of Fame considers not only a player’s on-court impact but also their contributions to the community. And the 2x NBA champ’s resume in that department is just as stellar.

Then there’s also his impact on international basketball. Growing up in Barcelona, Gasol was inspired by the Dream Team during the 1992 Olympics. And he went on to inspire a generation of players in Spain. He led the Spanish National Team to the 2006 FIBA World Championship gold medal as MVP, two Olympic silver medals, and two EuroBasket golds. He didn’t just play for his country—he elevated it.

The 6x All Star was also a trailblazer in the NBA. Winning Rookie of the Year in 2002, he became the first European player to do so. His efficiency and consistency cemented his place among the game’s greats. He became one of the fastest players to achieve milestones in scoring, rebounding, assisting, and blocking.

Whether you admired his dominance in the paint, his graceful footwork, or his ability to make teammates better, Pau Gasol’s Hall of Fame induction felt like the perfect culmination of a career defined by excellence, class, and global impact.