By any metric, Los Angeles Lakers
legend Kobe Bryant
is considered an NBA icon. Bryant inspired millions of fans and multiple generations of athletes with his relentless pursuit of greatness.
As many fans and peers remember Bryant on his 48th birthday, one of his greatest teammates and close friends, Pau Gasol
, shared a special tribute on social media.
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Pau Gasol Reflects On Special Bond With Kobe Bryant While Celebrating His Birthday
Gasol shared a video
highlighting his connection with Bryant, while captioning the post, "As a teammate, as an opponent at times, and more importantly, as a brother, always unconditional and eternal love. Happy birthday hermano, miss you."
Gasol was Bryant's co-star on the Lakers for several seasons, winning back-to-back NBA championships in 2009 and 2010. Bryant and Gasol also built a strong friendship, something the Spaniard says will last forever.
Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers, though Gasol may have been one of the primary reasons he stayed in Los Angeles
. Bryant and fellow icon Shaquille O'Neal were one of the most dominant duos in NBA history during the early part of the former's career.
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However, their off-court relationship eroded to the point that it became clear the Lakers' front office would have to move one of the stars. The organization decided to move forward with Bryant as the franchise player and traded O'Neal to the Miami Heat
in 2004.
While Bryant essentially got what he desired, the opportunity to lead the Lakers, the surrounding pieces around him left him unable to continue competing for championships.
As Bryant became frustrated with the Lakers' sliding down the standings, insiders speculated that he would eventually leave the organization. Then, the Lakers acquired Gasol, at the time the Memphis Grizzlies
' franchise player, in a controversial 2008 trade.
The Lakers acquired Gasol from Memphis for two first-round picks, Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, the rights to Marc Gasol
, and Aaron McKie. The Grizzlies' return was widely panned by league insiders, even though Gasol ultimately took his brother's place and became the Grizzlies' new franchise player.
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With a legitimate second star on the Lakers once again, Bryant was able to lead the organization back to the top of the NBA. Gasol often credits Bryant for helping him become a better player.
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Bryant's intensity not only motivated Gasol but also inspired the NBA's next generation of top stars. His legacy lives on
through many of the league's current All-Stars.
While Bryant's tragic passing in 2020 devastated millions, Gasol's latest tribute is a reminder of his enduring impact worldwide.
This article originally appeared on
Pro Football Network
.
