The NBA is one of the biggest leagues in the world right now. The rise of the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan was a key factor in this ascent. Although MJ did help bring mainstream audiences to the league, it’s the LA Lakers that have revolutionized the game multiple times. Whether it be Jerry West and Wilt during the 60’s or Magic and the Showtime Lakers throughout the late 20th century. The purple and gold have been a staple of the NBA all along. One former Laker recently discussed his special honor as he got emotional over the thought of his brother, the late Kobe Bryant.

The Black Mamba’s former teammate is preparing for his Hall of Fame induction this weekend. And he spoke about Kobe in the build up.

Hall of Fame inductee emotional 2 days before special day

After winning a three-peat at the start of the century, the LA Lakers descended into a path of chaos. Star center Shaquille O’Neal departed the franchise in an ugly fashion, while stalwart Kobe Bryant looked set to join bitter rivals LA Clippers. Although Kobe did re-sign, the decision to let Shaq leave proved to be costly. Big Diesel won a ring with Miami while LA seemed lackluster without him.

This all changed in 2008 as the Lakers traded for center Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies. The Spanish international alongside Kobe formed one of the most iconic duos of the 2010s as the two went on to win back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010.

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Now being enshrined in the Hall-of-Fame in 2 days’ time, Gasol also joined the Mamba in the rafters as the Lakers retired his number earlier this year.

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As part of the 2023 HOF class, the Spaniard recently discussed these special honors with ESPN as he stated. “I know that that’s going to be the triggering point for me,” he said about not having his brother by his side. “So those two factors together are just a tough cocktail.”

The brotherhood shared by Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol

Having shared the court together for almost 6 years, Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant were quite fond of one another.

Winning 2 championships during their time, the pair had formed quite a tight bond that reflected even off the court. On 7 March 2023, Gasol joined his Hermano in the rafters as his jersey was retired by the Lakers.

The center was accompanied by Bryant’s wife Vanessa and Kobe’s daughters in Crypto Arena. He delivered a heartfelt speech thanking the city and Kobe. The former ROTY stated, “I can’t go on without talking about the person and the face that I don’t see“.

Revealing his sadness Gasol spoke of how much he missed Kobe as he replied. “I wish he was here with Gigi; I really do. But I think he’ll be proud, and he was looking forward to this moment. I love you, brother.”

Pau reflects a lot of the feelings fans have towards the untimely demise of the Mamba. It’s likely that he will speak highly of Kobe Bryant when he is inducted into the Hall of Fame this weekend.

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