Netflix Slam: How Did Rafael Nadal and NBA Legend Pau Gasol’s Friendship Begin?

Rafael Nadal‘s friendship with his compatriot and NBA legend, Pau Gasol, has rarely been kept hidden from the public lens. From supporting each other at their respective events to playing golf together, the sporting icons have shared a close bond for a while now. But do you know how the six-time NBA All-Star and the 22-time singles Grand Slam champion’s friendship began?

The ‘King of the Clay’ is all set to play against his young compatriot Carlos Alcaraz at the forthcoming Netflix Slam. As a constellation of stars gathers to witness the high-profile tennis game in Las Vegas, Gasol will also be there to grace the event featuring his close friend, Nadal.

Rafael Nadal and Pau Gasol like to play different sports together while keeping track of each other’s whereabouts

The public got to know about the close bond between the two sporting legends when the former Los Angeles Lakers player was sighted at Rafael Nadal’s tennis academy. In fact, Pau Gasol also picked up a racket to play the sport while striking a few poses with his compatriot on the court. As they enjoy each other’s company, Nadal and Gasol have also played soccer together.

On top of playing tennis and soccer, the sporting legends have also previously sighted a golf course for a solidarity initiative between Santander and the Gasol Foundation to prevent child obesity. While talking about their ‘competitiveness’ in different sports, Gasol said, “Our competitiveness is healthy, we have come to have fun. Yesterday we played in Pedrena and I’m very happy to do it again.” 

He also heaped praise on the golf prowess of the 22-time singles Grand Slam champion, who has played the sport for a while now. “He has a higher level (Gasol is handicap 14 and Nadal is handicap 05), he has been playing for many years and it is a pleasure to learn with him.” Aside from their sporting endeavors, the Spanish tennis star also paid a heartfelt tribute to his close friend on a special occasion.

Nadal was singing the praise of Gasol ahead of his jersey retirement

During his seven-season-long journey with the LA Lakers, the Spanish former basketball player won two championships while averaging 17.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks over 429 games. Notably, Gasol was honored by the NBA team as his No. 16 jersey was retired and hung next to another legend, Kobe Bryant, at the Crypto.com Arena in 2023.

It was undoubtedly a special moment for the six-time NBA All-Star, as he joined the elite list of other basketball greats who had their jersey numbers retired by the Lakers. As he became the very first Spaniard to pull off this rare feat in the basketball community, Gasol’s compatriot, Nadal, couldn’t hold himself back from lauding the NBA legend on social media.

While sharing a tribute video on Twitter, the ‘King of the Clay’ added the caption, “Great Pau!!!!!!!! Congratulations on this immense honor!” In the video clip, the ATP superstar also opened up about how it is an incredible achievement for their country. He said, “It is someone who is not American in a team that is probably the most emblematic in the history of the NBA. For them to retire the jersey of a player who is not American, who is Spanish, and someone I personally have lived it very closely, makes me very excited.”

Given his compatriot’s remarkable feat, Nadal asserted that Gasol is meant to be in the ‘most important league’ in the sporting realm. As they have immense respect for each other, the NBA icon will now witness the Spanish tennis player’s blockbuster Netflix clash.

Gasol will grace his close friend Nadal’s Netflix Slam at the Michelob Ultra Arena

In the middle of the casinos in Las Vegas, there will be a special space for a blockbuster on-court clash between the two Spanish tennis guns, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. With their one-of-a-kind exhibition match, the popular streaming platform Netflix has made its intent clear to enter the sports market.

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The Netflix Slam will take place at the Michelob Ultra Arena, where there will be a flurry of celebrity guests among the spectators. Notable figures like Pau Gasol, Colin Kaepernick, Mike Tyson, Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Matthew Stafford, and others will make special appearances at the tennis event.

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