
via Getty
(Orlando, Florida Tuesday, June 9, 2009) Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol show their disgust at midcourt after fumbling away a chance to tie the game against Orlando late in game three of the NBA Finals at Amway Arena. (Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

via Getty
(Orlando, Florida Tuesday, June 9, 2009) Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol show their disgust at midcourt after fumbling away a chance to tie the game against Orlando late in game three of the NBA Finals at Amway Arena. (Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
All eyes are on a former Los Angeles Lakers star who is set to enter the elite Hall of Fame club tomorrow night. Ahead of the big day, the 43-year-old has stayed active on social media platforms to acknowledge the tributes he has been receiving the past few days. In the latest one, it was shocking to see the LA legend show his approval to his former team which has been disrespecting him over a long number of years. This was a big controversy back when he retired.
However, even years after giving his best to make the team relevant in the NBA, Kobe Bryant’s “brother” is yet to be honored by them. Though Gasol did not win a ring with this NBA team, what he did for them was nothing short of excellence.?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Kobe Bryant’s teammate ignores an NBA team’s disrespect to acknowledge their tribute
Before taking his talents to the Lakers, Pau Gasol was a sensation for the Memphis Grizzlies, where he played for seven seasons. Averaging nearly 20 points in all six seasons, Gasol was the face of the team in the early 2000s. To be more precise, the Grizzlies can be split into, before Gasol and after Gasol considering their success before the 43-year-old joined the team.

via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA APRIL 28, 2013-Lakers Kobe Bryant consoles Pau Gasol late in the 4th quarter against the Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs at the Staples Center Sunday. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The 6x NBA All-Star gave it his all for the Grizzlies, but couldn’t put an end to their championship drought. Though he has played for four different teams, he played the most games with the Grizzlies, i.e. 476. Even after making the $1,650,000,000 rich franchise a famous and respectable team, the Grizzlies are yet to retire his jersey.
Watch this story: ” ‘Was tearing Team USA apart’: Luka Doncic type player who is not with Steve Kerr and Co. destroyed them in scrimmage”
While it can be stated that Gasol didn’t get much team success during his time in Memphis, he was one of the franchise’s first superstars. Before they attained the ‘Grit and Grind’ moniker because of their deep postseason runs, Memphis reached the playoffs for the first time with Gasol leading the charge.
The Grizzlies have so far retired only Zach Randolph’s jersey but they have announced that jerseys of franchise stars such as Mike Conley, Tony Allen, and Pau’s brother, Marc Gasol, will be retired in due course as well. There is no sign of a jersey retirement ceremony coming up for Pau, though. However, they shared a mixtape to honor his Hall of Fame induction. Surprisingly, Gasol went on to approve it as he shared the video to his Instagram story.?
View this post on Instagram
Anyhow, Gasol’s focus is fully on his HOF night as he took the time to remember both the Lakers and late legend Kobe Bryant?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Pau Gasol remembers Kobe Bryant and the Lakers
The Lakers and Gasol helped each other to add two titles to their resume. Gasol’s addition was a game-changer but Bryant’s presence was the main piece.?
Remembering the 5-time champion, Gasol shared, “The relationship with Kobe was very, very special in my life.”?He also added he misses him a lot even today, like millions of fans across the world.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Read more: Emotions Run High As Dwyane Wade, Pau Gasol, and More Bask in the HoF Glory with Loved Ones
The HOF night will be extra special and more emotional for Gasol all things considered. Share your thoughts on the above story in the comments below.?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT