Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant shared a remarkable bond that went beyond their time on the basketball court. They were not only teammates for six years at the LA Lakers, but they also shared a bond as brothers, which he continues to cherish today, being a guardian figure to Kobe’s family. He has established a beautiful relationship with Venessa Bryant and her daughters, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri, who refer to him as “Uncle Pau.” This dynamic certainly calls for a celebration on the former Lakers star’s special day.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Venessa Bryant shared a snap with Pau from his Hall of Fame ceremony. She wrote, ” Happy birthday, brother!!! We love you @paugasol,” using heart and cake emojis, celebrating the star forward turning 44. Pau showed his gratitude and love further by sharing the post in his Instagram story. He wrote “Thank you, sister!! Love you!!” with multiple heart emojis.

The beautiful wife, Cat Gasol, also showered her love for Pau on her Instagram story. “Happy Birthday to our #1 guy! The best papa, husband, friend, person, everything! We love you so much!” she wrote. The Gasols became a family of 4 when they welcomed their youngest member, son Max in 2022. Pau has iterated that staying by his family while also striking a balance with his ambitions has been of utmost importance for him and he seems to handling that well.

The Lakers star has been involved in numerous charities with his “Gasol Foundation” and “Pau Gasol Academy,” at the center. Interestingly, it also happens to be the 20th anniversary of the latter which acts as a program for athletes with intellectual disabilities who love basketball. Cat Gasol shared an adorable photo of their son saying he was the assistant coach on this special day. Honoring his work, Unicef_es wrote, “FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS!” sharing an image of children with basketball.

The wishes then poured in from the Lakers, the NBA history, and the Spain Olympics among others, highlighting his legacy and his giving soul.

A Deep Bond Between Pau, Vanessa, and Bryant Family

Pau had come to be Kobe’s most trusted teammate as he arrived just as the Lakers were sinking post-Shaquille O’Neal. It took some time for the dynamic to build, but once it did, they made it to three finals and won twice. Their bond thus came to transcend the court. More so, when Pau was looking to start a family and Kobe suggested he send his sons to him to train and to teach them to be tough. But unfortunately, that never transpired. Instead, Pau has continued to became an unwavering support for the Bryant family.

His kindness is evident in the small yet meaningful acts he performs. His daughter, Elisabet Gianna’s middle name is a tribute to Kobe and daughter Gianna who tragically passed away a few months before she was born. In May 2020, he commemorated Gianna’s 14th birthday by sending a cake. He also honored Gianna by wearing red bracelets with Kobe and Gigi’s names.

He shined of love once again when he sent a bouquet of roses on the occasion of Kobe and her anniversary in April 2020. Pau has till today continued to pay frequent visits to the Bryant family. A family Cat and him have come to embrace as their own. “Love you familia,” Cat had written from one of their many vacations and each continues to reciprocate.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.