Pau Gasol Shares Heartfelt Tribute For Kobe Bryant During Hall Of Fame Enshrinement

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NBA All-Star Game 2016
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 14: Pau Gasol #16 of the Chicago Bulls and the Eastern Conference and Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Western Conference look on late in the game during the NBA All-Star Game 2016 at the Air Canada Centre on February 14, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Pau Gasol gave a tear-jerking speech during his Hall of Fame enshrinement.

Pau Gasol reflected on his friendship with Kobe Bryant during his Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony on Saturday night. In doing so, he recalled the late Lakers legend elevating his game like no one else he ever played alongside.

“That’s where I got to know the person who elevated my game like no other, who taught me what it took to win at the highest level, who showed me how hard you have to work and the mentality you needed to have in order to be the best, the commitment you had to make, what it meant and what it took to be a leader: Kobe,” Gasol said.

Pau Gasol & Kobe Bryant During The NBA Playoffs

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 28: Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers is consoled by Kobe Bryant after coming out of the game in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 28, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. The Spurs defeated the Lakers 103-82. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

From there, Gasol launched into the story of the night he was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Los Angeles Lakers. He continued: “I wouldn’t be here without you, brother. I wish more than anything that you and Gigi were here today with us. I miss you and love you.” Bryant's wife, Vanessa, was in attendance during the speech, as well as several other NBA legends. Check out Gasol's full comments below.

Pau Gasol Reflects On Relationship With Kobe Bryant

The Grizzlies drafted Gasol with the 3rd overall pick back in 2001. After becoming an all-star with the organization, they shipped him to Los Angeles, to play alongside Bryant. Together they won two NBA championships. Later in his career, Gasol played with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs. Gasol also took a moment to reflect on his final years with the Spurs during his Hall of Fame speech. "Pop, Becky, Tony, Manu, I mean one of the things that Pop told me in free agency ... think about the guys you're going to spend time with. ... I loved the opportunity to play with you guys," he said. "My wife and I will always cherish those three years in San Antonio."

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About The Author
Cole Blake is currently an Editor at HotNewHipHop based out of Brooklyn, New York. He began working at the site as an intern back in 2018 while studying journalism at St. John’s University. In the time since, he’s graduated with a bachelor's degree and written extensively about a wide range of topics including pop culture, film & television, politics, video games, sports, and much more. He’s also covered music festivals such as Gov. Ball and Rolling Loud. You can find him publishing work for HNHH from Monday to Wednesday or on weekends. On the sports front, Cole’s a passionate NBA and NFL fan with his favorite teams being the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Lakers. He also roots for the Yankees whenever he finds himself at Yankee Stadium or the Red Storm when in the company of other SJU alumni. His favorite hip-hop artists are billy woods, Earl Sweatshirt, Cam’ron, MIKE, and Mach-Hommy.
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