Pau Gasol created history on the 12th of August, 2023. On this day, he became the first Spaniard inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. He played a total of 18 seasons in the NBA and won 2 NBA championships.? Gasol revamped the position of the center through his basketball skills and quick footwork in the paint.? During his acceptance speech at the HoF ceremony, he thanked his ?sister? and the wife of Kobe Bryant for her presence at this auspicious moment.

To which Vanessa responded with a flying kiss to her ?brother.? Vanessa afterward offered Gasol her warmest regards and congratulations on his basketball success.

Vanessa Bryant’s heartfelt presence and acknowledgment for her “brother”

The 2023 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame took place on 12th August at the? ?Birthplace of Basketball,? Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts. This year, the sport honored four former NBA players for their contribution. Los Angeles Lakers legend Pau Gasol was one of them.

The 2x NBA champion who played alongside Kobe Bryant for seven years got the well-deserved induction. During his acceptance speech, the Spaniard expressed gratitude to everyone who had been a part of his journey.

Gasol chose his childhood hero, a player he admired, Chicago Bulls legend Toni Kukoc to present him the honors.

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Gasol also acknowledged the impact of the great Mamba on his life and game. He expressed his gratefulness to Kobe for making him better every day. He also appreciated and thanked Kobe?s wife, Vanessa for being present on this momentous night for him.

?Thank you, Vanessa, for being here tonight. Proud to be your brother.?

Vanessa later took to Instagram to congratulate the 7?1 player and her brother for the induction. ?Congratulations on your #HOF induction, brother @paugasol?

Pau Gasol remembers Kobe and Gianna Bryant

Pau Gasol played with the legendary Kobe Bryant for seven whole seasons. Their friendship extended beyond the basketball court.

But on the court, they were incredible too. During their time together, the duo won 2 NBA championships and three conference finals. Both of these icons had their jersey numbers (16, 8, and 24) retired by the Los Angeles Lakers.??????

Moreover, Kobe and Pau are now both Hall of Famers. In the acceptance speech given by Pau Gasol, he acknowledged Kobe?s presence in his life and said that without the Lakers star, he would not have achieved this enormous feat. ?That?s where I got to know the person who elevated my game like no other?Kobe??

He also remembered the late Gianna Bryant in his speech. ?I wouldn?t be here without my brother. I wish more than anything that you and Fifi were here today.?

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