Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol formed one of the most formidable duos in modern NBA history.
Not only did the pair make three NBA Finals, win two championships and forge a lasting friendship, but they also left a permanent impact on hoops lore with their unique style.
Because of his history with Bryant, Gasol is uniquely qualified to speak on his former teammate in a way few are.
Recently, Gasol shared something of an interesting tidbit: the first time he ever saw Bryant cry.
Pau Gasol on @kobebryant torn Achilles:
“When Kobe torn his Achilles It’s the first time that saw him cry it was hard,” Says @paugasol.
Vanessa Bryant: “I remember walking into the locker room w Natalia & Gianna & broke down as soon as I hugged him.”#LakeShow #LakersDoc pic.twitter.com/KjR5PyJH6g
— Landon Buford (@LandonBuford) October 3, 2022
“When Kobe tore his Achilles, I was heartbroken,” Gasol said. “It was the first time that I saw him cry. It was hard.”
Bryant tore his Achilles in a game against the Golden State Warriors in 2013. It happened during a stretch where he was playing seven quarters in a row and at least 40 minutes per game for seven straight outings.
Right before getting hurt, at age 34 no less, Bryant was averaging his most minutes per game in six seasons.
Sadly, Bryant was never the same after that injury.
Gasol has been a source of a lot of valuable stories about Bryant over the last few years. He has spoken of the two sides that existed to his former teammate, why Bryant had no friends on the Lakers and a myriad of other topics.
Blue Jays fans are wild. https://t.co/o8EXoWOF59
— Game 7 (@game7__) October 4, 2022
It has all been really fascinating.
What interesting details will Gasol ultimately spill next?
Time will tell.
Related: 3 Changes Russell Westbrook Made To Fit With Lakers Better
Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
