“He’ll always be with me, in every moment, not just basketball moments.” Those words from Pau Gasol say everything about his bond with Kobe Bryant. Even Kobe’s eldest daughter calls him “Uncle Pau.” That’s how deep their friendship ran. But what really sets Gasol apart? When the Lakers traded for him in 2008, he didn’t see playing second to Kobe as a step-down. He saw it as an honor. And man, did it pay off. The Lakers retired his No. 16 jersey, placing him alongside legends like Magic, Kareem, and, of course, Kobe. So, how great were they together?

Gasol wasn’t just a good teammate, he was exactly what the Lakers needed. The moment he arrived, Kobe knew he was the missing piece. And he was right. Gasol’s skill set- his passing, footwork, and basketball IQ, blended perfectly with Kobe’s relentless drive. The result? Three straight Finals appearances and back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. Without Gasol, what were the chances of that happening? Kobe would have his work cut out for him.

Gasol never imagined he’d form a bond this deep. But fate? It had other plans. Gasol recently revealed behind-the-scenes information about his first meeting with the late legend. The summer before the trade, Gasol ran into Kobe in Barcelona. Bryant, always thinking ahead, casually mentioned, “Hey, maybe we end up playing together.” At the time, Gasol thought it was unlikely, but just months later, he was wearing the purple and gold. Their chemistry was undeniable, from their initial late-night meeting in Washington, D.C., to securing back-to-back titles.

Kobe saw him as the final piece to dominate the league. “You’re the piece the league didn’t want me to have because they knew it was going to be a problem,” he told Gasol. He was right. The duo led the Lakers to greatness, proving that some partnerships are simply meant to be. Even Gasol recalled, “This wasn’t just a trade. This was about winning a championship”.

But the influence wasn’t just one-sided. It was Kobe Bryant’s support that helped secure Gasol’s place in the HOF too.

Gasol was the catalyst for Kobe’s second era of dominance. And now, as his jersey hangs beside Kobe’s, their story is cemented in Lakers history forever.

Pau Gasol’s heartfelt homage to Kobe Bryant

The shock of losing Kobe Bryant, was huge for the whole NBA, whether it was fans or players like Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron, or even Michael Jordan. The latter even said, “When Kobe Bryant died, a piece of me died.” Such was also the case for Pau Gasol, who lost his brother in that unfortunate accident. Gasol often spoke about how Kobe pushed him to be better, both on and off the court.

In 2020, Gasol and his wife, Catherine McDonnell, welcomed their first child. But what made the moment even more special? They named their daughter Elisabet Gianna Gasol, or Ellie, as a tribute to Kobe and his daughter Gianna. “It’s just a way to honor Gianna, how much she means to us and our family, my wife and I,” Gasol explained.

But this tribute wasn’t just about a name. Gasol stayed close to the Bryant family, stepping in as a supportive figure for Vanessa Bryant and her daughters. He’s been there, not because he had to be, but because that’s what family does. Kobe had once told him, “I’ll send you my daughters so you can teach them.” Gasol took those words to heart.

Some friendships fade with time, but this one? It only grew stronger. Through Ellie, through his unwavering bond with the Bryants, Gasol keeps Kobe’s presence alive—not just in memory, but in love.