Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant formed one of the most impressive duos in modern NBA history. From the second they linked up together, the pair enjoyed success. They ended up reaching the NBA Finals on three separate occasions – ultimately winning a title twice.
Along the way, Gasol and Kobe formed a deep friendship. That relationship carried over after the latter’s untimely passing, with Gasol taking a central role in helping support Vanessa Bryant and the children.
He sent Vanessa and the family a special gift for what would’ve been her’s and Kobe’s 20th anniversary. He has taken them in for holidays so that they wouldn’t be alone. He has spoken at length about what a tremendous person Kobe was, furthering his legacy for the next generation of hoops fans.
Heck, Gasol even named his newborn daughter after the late Gianna Bryant.
This past week Gasol spoke to Melissa Rohlin of Fox Sports. During their conversation, the Hall of Fame big man opened up about the one lesson Kobe ultimately learned from him as a result of their time as teammates and friends.
“When asked what was the greatest lesson he taught Bryant, Gasol shrugged at first. ‘I don’t know if I taught him much,’ he said before recalling a conversation that reminded him otherwise.
“‘A close person to him told me that I taught him empathy, which is something that I guess I’m honored and proud of to share that with him,’ Gasol said.”
Now that’s a Halloween costume. https://t.co/xDN5ukIuKB
— Game 7 (@game7__) October 30, 2021
Given the close relationship that exists between Gasol and Vanessa, it seems fair to assume that she or another member of the family passed that tidbit along to the Spanish star.
Clearly Gasol and Kobe shared a very special bond. And it’s nice to see that the strength of that bond has stood the test of time.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
