3 years. That’s how long it has been since the world was deprived of an NBA Legend. Former Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant is still remembered and kept in the hearts of people from around the world. While his fans do miss him, no one misses him more fondly than his family and closest friends.

Two of Kobe’s family members recently took to social media to give their best wishes to someone who was, and still remains, one of the closest people to Kobe.

Vanessa and Natalia wish a happy birthday to Pau Gasol

Vanessa Bryant, the widow of Kobe Bryant, took to Instagram to wish a happy birthday to former basketball player Pau Gasol. She put a picture of the two of them on her Instagram story with the caption, “Happy Birthday, Hermano!” Hermano is the Spanish word for brother.

The former player’s 20-year-old daughter also took to Instagram to post her own tribute. She featured two pictures on simultaneous Instagram Stories. The first picture featured the duo taking a small ride around an amusement park and was captioned, “Happy Birthday Uncle Pau!” accompanied by a heart emoji. Her second story featured a picture of the duo on the golf course with the caption, “Best Golf Partner Ever.”

Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant’s friendship

Pau Gasol became a part of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2008 and stayed there for six years. He and Kobe Bryant developed a close friendship. The duo would later go on to win back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010.

After Derek Fisher was traded in 2012, Gasol became co-captain of the team along with Bryant. The duo’s on-court chemistry was evident to whoever watched them play.

When Bryant retired in 2016, the two became much closer, with both Kobe’s and Pau’s families developing a mutual bond. ‘Hermano’ was the term that Pau used to describe Kobe. The same term has now been passed on and is used by Vanessa in describing Pau.

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After Kobe’s death in January 2020, Gasol experienced much shock and sadness upon first hearing the news. The families only grew closer after the unfortunate incident. Pau and his wife, Catherine, middle-named their daughter Gianna. This was done in honor of Kobe’s daughter who also lost her life in the same crash. They also named Vanessa as her godmother.

Known as Uncle Pau by Kobe’s daughters, Gasol has spent a considerable amount of time with them after the two girls lost their father and sister. Fans themselves got a glimpse of the bond shared by them after Vanessa shared a video which showed Gasol taking ballet lessons from Bianka Bryant.

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The bond between Pau Gasol and the Bryant family continues to teach the world the meaning of true friendship. Though the legend may be gone, he rests well knowing that his family are not alone.