Late Kobe Bryant’s Family’s Stunning Photo Draws 1-Word Reaction From Former Teammate Pau Gasol

Some may have described Kobe Bryant as difficult to play with, but for some, he was much more than an NBA star. The Black Mamba’s story with his former teammate Pau Gasol is all about pure friendship and respect. A story of a promise that still holds even after the 5x NBA champion has left us. It is said that Kobe and Pau had pledged to look after each other’s children. And Pau has kept this promise without fail.

It is a well-known fact that 2× NBA champion considers Kobe’s family as his own. A recent Instagram story by the 2x NBA champion reflects the same. He re-shared a reel uploaded by Kobe’s wife, Vanessa. “Family,” read the caption to that re-share. The reel features Vanessa, her daughter, Natalia Bryant, Pau Gasol, and his wife, Catherine Gasol. They were all on a family outing recently, as showcased in the video.

And this is not the first instance where the ex-Lakers star has shown how much he values the pledge made to Kobe. In fact, he and his wife kept Gianna as their daughter’s middle name. Gianna was one of the four daughters of Kobe. She was among the 10 people who died in the helicopter crash that claimed the NBA icon’s life as well. “It’s just a way to honor Gianna, how much she means to us and our family, my wife and I,” Gasol said. The genesis of this bond dates back to when Memphis Grizzlies traded Pau to LA Lakers.

And although there were talks of Kobe leaving the Lakers during that time, destiny wanted the duo to create history with each other. He continued with the Lakers and when Pau landed in Washington, his conversation with the 5x champion is something he still remembers.

Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol: From on-court success to a bond beyond NBA Championships

According to what Pau told Shelburne, Kobe met him after his physical in Washington and said, “Hey, I’m very excited to have you. Very happy that you’re here, but now let’s go win a championship”. This reflects the trust Kobe had in Pau’s capabilities from the start. The Black Mamba’s belief in 2x NBA champion’s abilities turned out to be fruitful as the duo led Lakers into three consecutive NBA finals. Though they lost the first one, they did not let the 2009 and 2010 NBA championships slip from their hands.

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And although Pau left the Lakers in 2014, he expressed his thankfulness for the franchise. He also mentioned his bond with Kobe in the Lakers. “We just complemented each other well,” Gasol had said. “He brought a unique edge, work ethic, and dedication to the game. He appreciated my IQ, my understanding of the game,” he added.

Gasol’s #16 jersey was placed next to Bryant’s #24 jersey in March 2023. The Lakers also played a past video of Kobe, backing their decision to bestow the honor on the 2x NBA champion. Kobe had already mentioned that when Pau retires, both of their jerseys will be in the rafters next to each other. “The reality is, I don’t win those championships without Pau. The city of LA doesn’t have those two championships without Pau Gasol,” Kobe had once said. This gesture by the Lakers marked a seal of permanence on the bond between the two.

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