Lakers News: Pau Gasol Unpacks Dynamic With Kobe Bryant That Led To 2 Titles
The Los Angeles Lakers trade for center Pau Gasol was one of the more memorable moves in Lakers history. Not only did Gasol allow the Lakers to vault back into being title contenders, but he formed a strong bond with Kobe Bryant.
The two players together comprised one of the best duos in the game during their time together. The All-Stars brought out the best in one another, leading the Lakers to two titles together.
Gasol, a recent member of the NBA Hall-of-Fame, spoke about his relationship with the late Kobe Bryant, and how it forever changed him. He and other members of the Laker championship team held interviews with SportsKeeda.
“What I tried to do was complement him; really provide as much as he needed and the team needed at the time. I had to evolve as a player to be better, in order to be that second great player of the team, and I put my mind and effort and heart into it to do that. To make three straight Finals is not easy to do. So I tried to complement him. We connected on an intellectual level, too. I tried to catch the passes that he would throw my way, and make plays with both hands. That’s what the team needed. That’s what he expected of me, and that’s what I wanted to provide.”
The players complimented each other almost perfectly. Their skill sets worked well together, and Bryant challenged Gasol to be better. It helped him turn himself into one of the better big men in the history of the game. Gasol spoke more on this.
“He definitely inspired me and showed me what it took to be the best player that he could be. The work ethic, the dedication, the mindset going into it. He challenged me to get better with his actions and with his work. was very intentional with his actions. I was in. I was all the way in. I would go as far as he would want me to go. I wanted to win.”
Gasol will forever be remembered as a Laker. He is one of the best in the history of the organization, and the fans absolutely love him.
His number 16 jersey now hangs in the rafters alongside both of Bryant's. His moment entering the Hall-of-Fame is a culmination of his greatness.
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