So it’s official now. In the hearts of Los Angeles Lakers fans, Pau Gasol is more than simply a Hall of Famer. His reputation as one of the greatest international hoopers ever is well-established, and he is legitimately inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in Springfield.
Over the course of his 18 successful NBA seasons, the 7-foot power forward/center, who was a special blend of scoring finesse and low post flair, played for five different teams. But he will always be best known for his illustrious six and a half years in Los Angeles, where he played in three NBA Finals and won two championships.
Influence of Kobe Bryant on Pau Gasol
The success of the squad was primarily attributed to his on-court chemistry with shooting guard and future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. Along with the frightening size of centre Andrew Bynum and sixth man power forward Lamar Odom, the sharpshooting of point guard Derek Fisher, the perimeter defence, and the clutch bucket-making of Trevor Ariza (and his replacement Ron Artest), the dynamic duo’s smart combo powered LA forward.
Bryant sadly perished in a helicopter accident on January 26, 2020, while on a trip with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, a number of her middle school basketball teammates, and their parents. During his Hall of Fame induction speech, Gasol paid tribute to the two deceased Bryants. Toni Kukoc, a three-time champion power forward for the Chicago Bulls, presented him.
"I wouldn't be here without you brother. I wish more than anything that you and Gigi were here today with us." 💜 pic.twitter.com/WRxadnZeSU
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 13, 2023
“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.”
We have shared below in what is a full speech of Pau Gasol at the hall of fame ceremony.