When a disgruntled Kobe Bryant wanted out of Los Angeles in 2007, the Lakers understood they had to shake things up to build a championship roster around the “Black Mamba.”
On Feb. 1 of 2008, the Lakers made a splash, trading a number of players and draft picks to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for All-Star big man Pau Gasol.
Kobe finally had his wingman. Despite losing to the Boston Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals, the Lakers would respond by winning each of the next two titles, including a revenge series against the Celtics in 2010.
Bryant and Gasol became akin to brothers. Kobe–who was fluent in Spanish–would often converse in Pau's native language, attempting to reach him on a personal level. The duo had tremendous success together and shared incredible memories.
Which is why Gasol is still trying to come to grips with the reality that Kobe is gone:
I still refuse to believe it… it still feels like a nightmare that I can’t wait to wake up from… but if this nightmare continues, I will do what I can to keep your legacy going and your lessons present in everything I do. pic.twitter.com/n3DL1NHjko
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 30, 2020
As Pau alluded to, he vowed to carry on Bryant's legacy, including some of Kobe's words to live by:
“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” Kobe Bryant 💔🙏🏼
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 30, 2020
I will be heartbroken for a long time, but I will forever be thankful for having had shared so much together. You inspired me and pushed me to be a better version of myself everyday. As you have done with many others.
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 30, 2020
Gasol also shared his condolences for the other eight victims in Sunday morning's fatal helicopter crash, which also included Bryant's daughter, Gianna:
I will be heartbroken for a long time, but I will forever be thankful for having had shared so much together. You inspired me and pushed me to be a better version of myself everyday. As you have done with many others.
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 30, 2020
The NBA community is still reeling from the news that one of the most beloved icons in NBA history is gone.
Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo–who was playing in his first game in over a year on Wednesday–broke down in his postgame interview. Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving, who regarded Bryant as a mentor, also made some heartfelt following his team's win over the Detroit Pistons.
But as Gasol indicates, players and coaches around the league–as well as the countless ordinary citizens Kobe inspired–will keep working each day to take up the mantra of inspiring others.
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