Pau Gasol Sends Heartfelt Message To Late Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant In HOF Speech

It was an emotional night for the LA big man.

Well, it's official. 

Pau Gasol isn't just a Hall of Famer in Los Angeles Lakers' fans hearts. He's legitimately enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in Springfield, his legend as one of the greatest international hoopers ever firmly established.

The seven-foot power forward/center played for five franchises across his 18 prolific NBA seasons, as a unique blend of scoring finesse and low post flair. But he'll always be most remembered for his glorious six-and-a-half years in Los Angeles, with whom he won two championships and appeared in three NBA Finals.

His partnership on the hardwood with Lakers Hall of Fame shooting guard Kobe Bryant was the primary reason behind the team's success. The dynamic duo's heady tandem propelled LA forward, along with the intimidating size of center Andrew Bynum and sixth man power forward Lamar Odom, the sharpshooting of point guard Derek Fisher, and the perimeter defense and clutch bucket-getting of Trevor Ariza (and his replacement Ron Artest).

Bryant, who died tragically in a January 26th, 2020 helicopter accident while traveling with 13-year-old daughter Gianna "Gigi" Bryant and several of her middle school basketball teammates and their parents.

Gasol paid tribute to both fallen Bryants during his Hall of Fame induction speech. He was presented by three-time Chicago Bulls championship-winning power forward Toni Kukoc, an inspiration to Gasol in his youth.

"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," Gasol said. "I wish more than anything that you and Gigi were here today with us. I miss you and love you."

It was a moving moment, during a moving ceremony. We'll have more details and analysis for you on all of it soon enough.

Across 1,226 regular season contests (1,150 starts), Gasol averaged 17 points on .507/.368/.753 shooting splits (that three-point percentage is on a minuscle 0.4 takes per game, though), 9.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 blocks and 0.5 steals a night.

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