If you want to see how much Pau Gasol loves Kobe Bryant, just look at his Instagram profile picture. Unlike other celebrities who show flashy outfits and glamorous lifestyles, Pau went old school- a back-faced photo of him and Kobe in their purple and gold jerseys, a true symbol of their friendship. And if you still doubt it, remember Pau is the godfather of Kobe’s daughters and even named his own daughter after Gianna. This isn’t about social media followers or surface-level connections—this is real, ride-or-die friendship.

Pau Gasol recently shared a heartfelt post on his Instagram story with just four words: “I miss my brother ❤️.” No long letters, no speeches, just pure emotion. The video looked like it was from Kobe Bryant’s last season in 2016. Pau, wearing a Bulls jersey, was seen hugging Kobe, pressing their heads together, and sharing laughs and quiet talks. It seemed to be a moment right after the game, capturing their bond perfectly.

More specifically, the video Pau shared can be traced back to February 21, 2016. The Lakers were down late in the fourth quarter and were trying to make a comeback. But clutch shots from E’Twaun Moore, Derrick Rose, and Pau Gasol kept the Bulls in control. Still, the fans stood up and cheered for Kobe Bryant with about 45 seconds left in the game, creating a special moment that showed both the competitiveness on the court and the respect everyone had for Kobe.

After the game, Bryant shared a long hug with Pau. Kobe scored 22 points that night, just one more than Pau. After the game, Pau told reporters, “Not many players have played 20 years in this league, especially as aggressive as he plays every night.” Simple words, but it really showed how much respect Pau had for Kobe and everything he gave to the game.

The friendship between Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant went far beyond basketball. Years ago, Kobe made a promise that showed how much he trusted and cared for Pau: he said he would teach Pau’s sons about toughness, hard work, and going after your dreams, while Pau would guide Kobe’s daughters about culture and life. 

That promise turned their families into one extended family. Even after Kobe passed, Pau has kept that connection alive, sharing in birthdays, holidays, Halloween celebrations, and even family trips, whether it’s a fun day at Disneyland or a calm cruise around the Bay.

On the court, their connection was just as strong. They played together for seven seasons with the Lakers from 2008 to 2014, winning championships back-to-back in 2009 and 2010 and reaching the Finals in 2008. Pau made three of his six career All-Star appearances during this time, while Kobe was an All-Star every year they played together. 

Their teamwork, respect, and friendship were clear in every game and every shared moment. Years later, Pau continues to honor Kobe, like in August, on what would have been Kobe’s 47th birthday, he posted: “Happy Birthday, hermano. I miss you and love you always.” Short and simple, but it perfectly captures the love and respect that still defines their bond.

This recent throwback video feels even more special with something coming up soon: The anniversary of Kobe’s preseason debut.

From rookie preseason to legendary jersey sale

Back in October 1996, Kobe Bryant made his preseason debut in the NBA with the Lakers, hitting a historic milestone as a rising star. On October 16, against Dallas in Fresno, he scored 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting, added 1 three-pointer, grabbed 2 free throws, pulled down 5 rebounds, dished 2 assists, and stayed clean with no steals and 3 fouls.

Just two days later, on October 18 against Philadelphia in Los Angeles, Kobe dropped 11 points on 5-of-11 shooting, added 2 free throws, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 foul. Even in these first preseason games, the numbers showed his potential and hinted at the legendary career that was about to begin.

Kobe officially made his NBA debut on November 3, 1996, at only 18 years, becoming the youngest player to ever step on an NBA court at the time. He played just six minutes off the bench, missed his only shot, grabbed one rebound, and even had a block. Shaquille O’Neal carried the team that night with 35 points and 19 rebounds, while a young Kevin Garnett was already making waves for the Timberwolves.

Kobe’s rookie season had its ups and downs. He averaged 7.6 points, 1.3 assists, and 1.9 rebounds across 71 games and made the NBA All-Rookie second team. Even his famous air-ball moments in the playoffs didn’t hold him back; they only fuelled him to grow into one of the league’s all-time greats.

Fast forward to today, and Kobe’s legacy continues to shine in unexpected ways. Just recently, his No. 24 Lakers jersey from a November 3, 2006, game was auctioned for $889,000 at Sotheby’s in New York. Kobe wore it in a win over the Seattle Supersonics, scoring 23 points that night.

The jersey is fully authenticated, signed, and even has his inscriptions “FIRST 24” and “1/1,” making it a piece of basketball history. From his first preseason games in 1996 to this record-breaking auction decades later, Kobe’s journey shows how he turned every moment into something unforgettable.