pau gasol

Pau Gasol Shares Heartfelt Tribute For Kobe Bryant During Hall Of Fame Enshrinement

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Pau Gasol reflected on his friendship with Kobe Bryant during his Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony on Saturday night. In doing so, he recalled the late Lakers legend elevating his game like no one else he ever played alongside.

“That’s where I got to know the person who elevated my game like no other, who taught me what it took to win at the highest level, who showed me how hard you have to work and the mentality you needed to have in order to be the best, the commitment you had to make, what it meant and what it took to be a leader: Kobe,” Gasol said.

Read More: Pau Gasol Pays Tribute To Kobe Bryant During Emotional Jersey Retirement Speech: Watch

Pau Gasol & Kobe Bryant During The NBA Playoffs

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 28: Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers is consoled by Kobe Bryant after coming out of the game in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 28, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. The Spurs defeated the Lakers 103-82. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

From there, Gasol launched into the story of the night he was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Los Angeles Lakers. He continued: “I wouldn’t be here without you, brother. I wish more than anything that you and Gigi were here today with us. I miss you and love you.” Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, was in attendance during the speech, as well as several other NBA legends. Check out Gasol’s full comments below.

Pau Gasol Reflects On Relationship With Kobe Bryant

The Grizzlies drafted Gasol with the 3rd overall pick back in 2001. After becoming an all-star with the organization, they shipped him to Los Angeles, to play alongside Bryant. Together they won two NBA championships. Later in his career, Gasol played with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs. Gasol also took a moment to reflect on his final years with the Spurs during his Hall of Fame speech. “Pop, Becky, Tony, Manu, I mean one of the things that Pop told me in free agency … think about the guys you’re going to spend time with. … I loved the opportunity to play with you guys,” he said. “My wife and I will always cherish those three years in San Antonio.”

Read More: Pau Gasol Credits Kobe Bryant With His Hall Of Fall Bid: “Always With Me”

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Pau Gasol Pays Tribute To Kobe Bryant During Emotional Jersey Retirement Speech: Watch

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Pau Gasol is a legend when it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. Overall, he was a player who helped propel Kobe Bryant to two more NBA titles. The Lakers were repeat champions from 2009 to 2010, and Gason was a huge part of that. Kobe and Pau were great friends up until the former’s death in 2020. Kobe’s passing hit Gasol hard, however, he made sure to always honor the Lakers legend whenever he got the chance.

That is exactly what happened on Tuesday night as Gasol was at the Crypto.com arena for a very special night. Gasol was having his number 16 retired by the franchise prior to a game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Although fans were nervous about the outcome of the game, their anxiety was eased by an incredible pre-game ceremony. As you can see below, Gasol’s jersey was raised to the rafters right next to Kobe’s number 24.

Pau Gasol Speaks

Throughout his speech, Gasol made sure to speak about Kobe and his influence. Overall, you can tell just how much Pau misses his friend. Furthermore, he even mentioned Gigi who passed away at such an incredibly young age. “I can’t go on without talking about the person and the face that I don’t see, the brother that elevated me, inspired me, challenge me to be a better player, just to be a better man overall,” Gasol said. “I miss him so much like many of us do, I love him. Wish he was here with Gigi. But I think he’ll be proud, and he was looking forward to this moment. So, I love you, brother.”

The emotional moment was subsequently followed up by a huge win from the Lakers. The purple and gold are now in ninth place in the Western Conference, which means they are in the play-in. This is a huge development for the team as they have struggled to crack a playoff spot, all season long. Let us know your thoughts on Gasol’s incredible speech, down in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the sports world.

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Pau Gasol Credits Kobe Bryant With His Hall Of Fall Bid: “Always With Me”

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Former Los Angeles Lakers star Pau Gasol credited Kobe Bryant with helping him get selected as a finalist for the Basketball Hall of Fame. The late NBA legend’s former teammate spoke about Kobe’s impact on his career, Friday, while in Utah to coach one of the teams in the Jordan Rising Stars championship. He also accepted his nomination for the Hall of Fame. Gasol explained that Bryant is in his heart “forever.”

“Every step of the way, he’s on my mind, he’s in my heart along with Gigi. And he’s going to be there forever,” Gasol said during All-Star Weekend in Utah. “I grew as a player, I played at a high-level thanks to him, in great part.” Gasol and Bryant were teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers from 2008 to 2014. Together they helped the team win back-to-back NBA Championships in 2009 and 2010.

Gasol With Bianka and Capri

“His leadership, his example, his approach really elevated my game, made me a better player,” Gasol continued. “My name, my number don’t go into those rafters without those championships. And we don’t win those championships without Kobe Bryant.” He added: “He will always be with me, in every moment, not just basketball recognitions, but personally too. His family is my family. We will continue to go forward thinking that he is watching. He’s definitely part of those moments.”

Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, were killed in a helicopter crash in January 2020. Bryant was 41 years old at the time while Gianna was just 13. Gasol and Bryant’s relationship extended off of the court. Less than a year after Bryant and Gianna’s passing, Gasol and his wife named their newborn daughter after Gianna.

In addition to Pau Gasol, other finalists for the Class of 2023 include Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Dwyane Wade, and former San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich. “The Class of 2023 will be remembered as one of the most distinguished classes the Hall of Fame will ever see, and we are extremely excited for this unparalleled collection of talent and achievement to be one step closer to Springfield,” Hall of Fame Chairman Jerry Colangelo said of the finalists, according to the AP.

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Dwyane Wade & Dirk Nowitzki Headline Stacked Hall Of Fame Candidate Class

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Dwyane Wade is considered to be one of the best shooting guards to ever play the game. As a member of the Miami Heat, he was able to win three championships. One of those titles came against Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks. However, Nowitzki got him back in 2011 as Dirk won his first and only title.

Overall, Nowitzki and Wade are two legends who came up in the same era. They had some epic battles together, and they retired in the same year. Their farewell tours were something to remember, and now, they could possibly go into the Hall of Fame together.

Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks drives as Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat looks to steal the ball in the third quarter of game one of the 2006 NBA Finals on June 8, 2006 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Hall Of Fame Shortlist: Dwyane Wade, Nowitzki, & More

According to ClutchPoints, Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade are being considered as First Ballot Hall of Famers for the 2023 HOF class. There are some other massive names here, including Gregg Popovich, Tony Parker, and Pau Gasol.

All five of these men deserve to be in the Hall of Fame, which makes this latest class extremely stacked. However, these men will only know if they’ve made it as of April 1st of next year. If they do make it, the induction ceremony will be on August 12th.

Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs talks with his player Tony Parker #9 against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter during Game One of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoff at ORACLE Arena on April 14, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Popovich is an interesting case as he is still currently coaching. Regardless, he is a legend that definitely deserves his spot. Hopefully, the Hall of Fame committee feels the same way.

Subsequently, let us know who you think deserves to make the Hall of Fame, in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the sports world.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Los Angeles Lakers Announce the Retirement of Pau Gasol’s Number

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The Los Angeles Lakers have announced the retirement of Pau Gasol’s No. 16 jersey number. The ceremony will occur during the March 7, 2023, game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

During his seven-season run with the Lakers, Gasol aided Los Angeles in capturing back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010. He was selected to the All-NBA Second Team in 2011 and to the All-NBA Third Team in 2009 and 2010 while wearing the purple and gold. He earned three of his six career NBA All-Star awards while playing for the Lakers (2009–2011).

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