Pau Gasol wasn’t just another big man. He was a basketball artist who changed how we think about centers and power forwards. The guy made 6 All-Star teams and was crucial to those back-to-back Lakers titles in ’09 and ’10. He formed one of the deadliest partnerships in NBA history with Kobe. And let’s not forget what he did for Spanish basketball. The man carried his national team to new heights. He won three Olympic medals and led his country to a FIBA World Championship in 2006. That’s why his Hall of Fame induction in 2023 was such a no-brainer.
Apart from being an absolute force, Pau Gasol is also a humble, down-to-earth man. His FIBA HoF speech in Bahrain, on 18th May was the biggest testament to this fact. Pau Gasol took his time to thank every single person who contributed to his journey. However, one special tribute stood out. The one he gave to his wife, Cat Gasol. “And to my wife Catherine, you are my rock, my love. You helped me through every change, especially at the end of my career; it’s not easy. And you sacrificed so much of your life. Thank you. I love you.”
Pau Gasol’s statement, filled with genuineness and emotions, was a nod to all the sacrifices his wife has made for him. Like, when he got a serious foot injury while playing for the Spurs, Catherine used to help him move around and drive him from training to home. However, his Hall of Fame speech wasn’t the only time Pau Gasol acknowledged Catherine. He recently made a sweet birthday post on Instagram for his wife.
Pau Gasol posted a beautiful mirror selfie of them together in a lift. They looked just perfect together like always. The sweetest part about the post was its caption. He didn’t shy away from expressing his gratefulness in front of the world. Pau wrote, “Happy birthday to my wonderful wife! You are a true gift to everyone around you.” Just this one line of acknowledgement shows how much of an admirer Pau is of his wife. He continued, “Here’s to your best year yet my love! Love you always and forever ”. Just like that, he gave another sweet tribute to Cat.
Pau Gasol’s emotional Kobe Bryant tribute
Pau Gasol’s transformation from being just a talented big man to an NBA champion began when he joined the Los Angeles Lakers. Especially, when he formed a bond with Kobe Bryant. He had shown flashes of brilliance in Memphis, but it was his partnership with Kobe that took him to championship level. Pau and Kobe’s connection went far beyond basketball. Their chemistry even produced back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010. But their relationship didn’t just end there.
When Kobe tragically left us in 2020, Pau Gasol’s grief showed everything. He wrote “I miss you, hermano…not a day goes by that you are not present in what I do,” in a moving Instagram tribute. Gasol has stayed true to his words by having a constant presence in the lives of Vanessa Bryant and her daughters. Helping keep Kobe’s memory alive through family trips and everyday moments of joy. Recent photos of their snowy getaway showed how they stick together.
Nov 2, 2010; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) and center Pau Gasol (16) embrace during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Staples Center. The Lakers defeated the Grizzlies 124-105. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
During his emotional induction into the 2025 FIBA Hall of Fame, Pau Gasol made sure Kobe’s spirit was front and center. “I had the privilege of playing for the great Phil Jackson and his great coaching staff with some amazing teammates. None more important than my brother Kobe,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Our connection went far beyond basketball.” Gasol spoke about the trust and competitive fire that fueled their success: “We built something special. We won back-to-back championships.”
The speech became a powerful tribute. “I miss him and Gigi very, very deeply,” nearly breaking down as he remembered his lost family. He honored other legends who pushed him to greatness. “I’ll never forget the competitiveness of players like Tony Parker, Eduard Nowitzki” and thanked the fans who inspired his best performances night after night.
The moment came when Gasol shared Kobe’s lasting wisdom. “You have to work hard in the dark to be able to shine in the light.”. For Pau Gasol, this wasn’t just a memorable quote but a way of life. “What truly defines and separates an athlete is what happens away from the spotlight,” he explained. Describing the relentless work ethic that Kobe personified. This philosophy shaped Gasol’s journey from promising rookie to Hall of Famer, but his legacy extends far beyond basketball achievements. It’s a legacy that will continue to inspire long after his playing days are over.
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