Pau Gasol is one of the most successful Europeans to have ever played in the NBA. Drafted as the third overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft, the Spaniard won the ROTY during his first year, becoming the first European to do so. Spending 18 years in the league, the former Barcelona man was a common figure in the NBA, suiting up for 5 different teams during that time. His most notable stint was with the Los Angeles Lakers where he won 2 NBA championships in 6 years, forming a formidable partnership with the legendary Kobe Bryant.

The successes he earned in LA made him a certified star, as the purple and gold recently honored him. Joining his friend Kobe in the rafters, Gasol’s number 16 was retired by the Lakers earlier this year. Chosen as one of the finalists for this year’s Hall of Fame class, Pau will soon be enshrined in the HOF as well. While the ceremony will celebrate his on-court successes, the former ROTY recently reflected on his many investments off the court.

Pau Gasol speaks of his many investments off the court

In a recent article by ESPN, Pau Gasol’s legendary career was put under the microscope as they covered the monumental phases of his time in the NBA. While many various moments of his career were discussed, one bit of the article covered his life post-retirement.

Stemming from a conversation he had during the Lakers’ annual ‘all-access’ event for VIPs, Gasol was asked the question. “What really are you involved with these days?” Revealing that he was a family man and an ambassador to FIBA and the Lakers, the 7-footer then added, “And Investor“.

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While a vague terminology, the legend then went on to reveal that he had dished out more than $225 million to invest in various noble fields. Explaining those fields, he stated. ” (I) Invest in companies, usually in health and wellness, in the sports field.”

Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol’s interesting dynamic

Pau Gasol was traded to the Lakers during the 2008 season. At the time, Kobe and the Lakers were in a bit of a slump as they hadn’t won a title since 2002. After Shaq’s unceremonious exit, the LA side was in dire need of a big man, and it was Gasol that the Lakers turned to. In his very first season, Pau alongside Bryant led the Lakers to the WC, where they were defeated by the Boston Celtics.

This run during his initial season set the marker for the Lakers as they went on to win back-to-back titles in the next 2 years. A formidable duo, the partnership between Kobe and Gasol brought them immense success as they became brothers on and off the court. Former Knicks star Iman Shupert recently spoke of their ruthlessness, as Pau became the recipient of Kobe’s passes for a highly successful partnership.

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