The 2008 Olympics saw the USA’s ‘Redeem Team’ facing off against their rivals, Spain, in the Gold Medal game. One of the most memorable moments, according to LeBron James, occurred when NBA legend Kobe Bryant pushed his Los Angeles Lakers teammate, who was playing for Spain, right to the ground. After that moment, no one would have guessed that the duo would go on to form a bond that would be remembered by basketball enthusiasts for generations to come.

Pau Gasol is set to create history by becoming the first Spanish player to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Keeping this in mind, we take a look at the strong bond he shared with one of the greatest basketball players to ever walk the face of this earth.

How did Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol meet?

The dynamic between Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol started off as a rivalry, being on different NBA teams. While Gasol was making a name for himself with the Memphis Grizzlies, Bryant was having a hard time getting his team on track after the departure of Shaquille O’Neal. He was so dissatisfied that at one point he asked to be traded somewhere else.

Pau Gasol became a part of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2008 after a trade was completed with Memphis. Bryant wanted to know that the new guy could be someone who can help the Lakers propel to a level never seen before. Upon meeting the Spaniard for the first time, the Black Mamba reportedly sized him up in the locker room and asked him an important question: “Can I count on you?”

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Thus began a partnership that put all others to shame. With Gasol by their side, Kobe and co. were able to reach three consecutive NBA Finals, winning back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010.

How strong was Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol’s bond?

While their time together as players only lasted for seven seasons, their friendship continued to grow day by day. Leaving behind “the competition, the teammates, the grind,” their bond flourished when Bryant bid adieu to professional basketball back in 2016.

On January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant, along with his daughter Gianna Bryant, died in a fateful helicopter crash. The news hit the 6x NBA All-Star hard. During an interview with Clutch Points, Gasol revealed that he was driving back home when he heard of his friend’s unfortunate demise. “My wife was next to me, and she told me. I completely froze mentally and emotionally,” said Gasol during the interview.

How Pau Gasol supported the Bryant family after Kobe Bryant’s death?

Despite being in mourning himself, Gasol put his inner feelings aside to stand as a pillar of support for The Bryants during their time of need. The tragedy only brought the Spaniard closer to Kobe’s loved ones. Throughout the past few years, fans have gotten glimpses of the close bond that Gasol has formed with the people whom his best friend loved the most in the world.

Gasol has become a “second father” to the NBA legend’s daughters. From taking ballet lessons with Bianca to playing with toys alongside Capri, there have seldom been any moments when the former Lakers star has not been seen with Kobe’s kids.

One of the moments that melted the hearts of NBA fans around the world occurred a few months ago when Gasol was seen holding Kobe’s younger daughters in his arms, giggling and dancing throughout the event.

How Pau Gasol played the role of uncle after Kobe Bryant’s demise?

The Black Mamba’s eldest daughter, Natalia, has even gone so far as to nickname the former player “Uncle Pau”. Pau and Catherine’s daughter was born a few months after Kobe’s death and they paid tribute to Kobe’s daughter, Gianna Bryant by naming her Elisabet Gianna Gasol with Vanessa as her godmother.

The respect and affection that Gasol has shown to the Bryants has been reciprocated by Vanessa. She was there by his side when the Lakers retired his No.16 jersey during a memorable ceremony. She accompanied Gasol and his family on their vacations from time to time.

Remembering Gasol on special events like birthdays, she kept the wonderful bond between her late husband and her close confidant alive in the minds of the people. Only a few hours ago, Vanessa took to her Instagram to share a series of posts featuring Kobe’s ‘Hermano’ at the HOF ceremony held in his honor.

What are Pau Gasol’s favorite memories with Kobe Bryant?

Remembering one of his favorite memories with the Black Mamba, Gasol recalled Game 6 of the 2010 NBA Finals in an old interview. Filling himself up with adrenaline, the 43-year-old spoke about how he and Bryant adopted a “Kill or Get Killed” mindset during the crucial match against the Boston Celtics, who had destroyed them back in 2008. However the Lakers came into this series on the back of a memorable 2009 NBA Finals.

“We’re not going to allow this team to beat us on our home court,” said Gasol, recollecting his thought process. “We’re going to win this championship.”

When asked about his favorite memory involving the late player during a press conference, Gasol revealed that he will always remember the moment he was welcomed warmly by Bryant and the rest of the Lakers after being traded.

“It was just the right time, the right place, and beautiful things happened. The relationship with Kobe was very very special in my life. For me, for my family.” The Bryant-Gasol bond continues to be the envy of the people who wish to have such a friendship at least once in their life.