Kobe Bryant left a lasting legacy in NBA. On the first anniversary of the dreaded accident that killed 9 people, there are many people putting out their tributes on the internet. Kobe touched lives outside the sport as well, with this Mamba mentality inspiring many. Multiple players, including the likes of Damian Lillard, John Wall, LeBron James & others spoke about him and his impact on their game in the past few days. One such tribute was by his great friend and former Lakers teammate, Pau Gasol.

The caption reads, “I miss you, hermano… not a day goes by that you are not present in what I do. Your spirit, your drive, your ambition, your love… continues to shine in my life and in many others. Photos, videos, very special moments keep being shared by countless people that have admired you and loved you in their own way, reminding me how incredibly lucky I have been to share some of those moments with you.
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I hope you and Gigi are smiling down seeing how strong, sweet and amazing your girls are… they are growing so fast brother.
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I wish you could’ve met our little Elisabet Gianna. We will make sure she knows where her middle name comes from… how extraordinary, loving and inspiring her cousin Gigi and her uncle Kobe were.
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Today, we honor and celebrate both of you, you have left us with so much…, but even if it isn’t how we would like things to be, you are, and always will be, in our hearts. 

Kobe Bryant and his friendship with Pau Gasol

Ever since the passing of Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol has maintained a close relationship with Vanessa Bryant and her daughters, fulfilling the role of a godfather. He’s been there at every big and small event: Kobe’s birthday, Kobe-Vanessa’s anniversary, Christmas, Halloween etc. The duo shared an impeccable chemistry on court, and that naturally transcended into a beautiful friendship off the court as well.

Kobe even asked the Lakers front office to retire Pau’s jersey. In an old interview, the Spaniard got super emotional remembering Kobe’s touching words.

It’s incredible to see the role that he is playing to the Bryant family. Losing someone is never easy. But Pau Gaol and his wife are ensuring that it becomes easier for Vanessa and Co. and they are able to move on.