The 'Birthplace of Basketball,' Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts, hosted the 2023 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on August 12. Four former NBA players were honoured for their contributions this year in the sport. Legendary Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers was one of them.
The well-deserved induction went to the two-time NBA champion who spent seven years playing with Kobe Bryant. The Spanishman thanked everyone who had helped him along the way in his acceptance speech. Toni Kukoc, a former player for the Chicago Bulls, was chosen by Gasol as his boyhood hero and recipient of the honours.
Gasol also acknowledged the impact of the great Mamba on his life and game. He expressed his gratefulness to Kobe for making him better every day. He also appreciated and thanked Kobe’s wife, Vanessa for being present on this momentous night for him. “Thank you, Vanessa, for being here tonight. Proud to be your brother.” Vanessa later took to Instagram to congratulate the 7’1 player and her brother for the induction. “Congratulations on your #HOF induction, brother @paugasol”
In the acceptance speech given by Pau Gasol, he acknowledged Kobe’s presence in his life and said that without the Lakers star, he would not have achieved this enormous feat. “That’s where I got to know the person who elevated my game like no other…Kobe” He also remembered the late Gianna Bryant in his speech. “I wouldn’t be here without my brother. I wish more than anything that you and Fifi were here today.”