Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant could be considered the most underrated duo in NBA history. While they only played with each other for a few seasons, what they accomplished together in that time was truly spectacular, and will stand the test of time in Lakers’ history.
Gasol joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2008, in an effort to provide Kobe Bryant with an All-Star teammate and form a championship team. The Lakers immediately became a contender, and the duo led the Lakers to the NBA Finals for the first time in 4 years, against the Boston Celtics.
The Lakers ultimately lost to the Boston Celtics and their big three of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce. But the Lakers made a statement of their return to the Finals stage. The Lakers would reach the NBA Finals once again the following season, and win an NBA championship against the Orlando Magic.
The Lakers were on top of the world thanks to Kobe and Pau’s incredible chemistry and play together. And they achieved the same in 2010, as they got their revenge on the Boston Celtics and won the 2010 NBA championship, going back-to-back.
This is why it was wonderful to see Gasol reunite with Bryant’s family at the Los Angeles Lakers training facility, playing with his young daughters. He, Rob Pelinka, and their families were seen on the court, as they played basketball together and had a fun time, a truly heartwarming moment for all basketball fans.
Pau and Pelinka both hanging with the Bryant girls 🤞 (via vanessabryant/IG) pic.twitter.com/sZDzkiG4hW
— Overtime (@overtime) November 21, 2021
Gasol has always had a lot of love for Kobe Bryant and even gave him a shoutout during his retirement speech earlier this year. The way he and Kobe played together allowed Bryant to get better and helped Pau become a Lakers legend in the short time he was there.
Pau Gasol’s jersey will be retired by the Lakers this year, and much of that could be attributed to his and Kobe’s achievements together. Kobe and Pau were able to bring the Lakers back to prominence. Winning these two championships together forged a bond between Kobe and Pau that will never be broken.
