Pau Gasol’s basketball journey was always bigger than stats. Even though his journey as a star began in Memphis, it was only after joining the Lakers that he truly took a step into the spotlight. Teaming up with Kobe Bryant turned him from a solid big man into a champion. But it wasn’t just basketball. Their bond felt more like family than teammates. They weren’t just running plays, they were chasing greatness together. Their chemistry on court showed in two championship banners, and their connection off the court stayed long after the buzzer.
When Kobe passed in 2020, Gasol didn’t just mourn a teammate. He grieved a brother. He shared on Instagram, “I miss you, hermano…not a day goes by that you are not present in what I do.” But his tribute didn’t end online. He’s been there for Vanessa Bryant and her daughters, showing up with genuine love. The two families have built a new kind of tradition – ski trips, celebrations, and simple joy. Just recently, Vanessa posted snowy snapshots from their family getaway. These weren’t just cute vacation pics. They told a story of healing, of carrying forward Kobe and Gigi’s spirit through everyday moments.
And when this weekend, Pau Gasol was inducted into the 2025 FIBA Hall of Fame in Bahrain, he made sure to dedicate a part of the speech to his late brother. “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. Our connection went far beyond basketball,” Gasol said.
He spoke of their trust and shared fire to win. “We built something special. We won back-to-back championships,” he added. The moment felt less like a trophy talk and more like a heartfelt tribute. “I miss him and Gigi very, very deeply,” he shared, his voice almost breaking and eyes heavy with tears ready to fall.
Gasol didn’t stop there. He reflected on those who raised the bar alongside him. “I’ll never forget the competitiveness of players like Tony Parker, Eduard Nowitzki,” he said. But fans? They fueled his fire. He thanked them for pushing him to give more every night. Then came the quote that hit hardest.
“You have to work hard in the dark to be able to shine in the light,” Kobe once told him. Gasol didn’t just repeat it, he lived it. “What truly defines and separates an athlete is what happens away from the spotlight,” he said. That’s what made him more than a Hall of Famer. That’s what made him unforgettable.
Pau Gasol expressed gratitude during his Hall of Fame speech
While Pau Gasol’s tribute to Kobe Bryant stood out as one of the most emotional moments of the FIBA Hall of Fame ceremony, the rest of his speech carried just as much depth and reflection. Gasol used the stage to express gratitude, celebrate his journey, and highlight the values that shaped his career.
He opened with heartfelt words of thanks: “This recognition is a testament to the collective effort of a family: first and foremost, my teammates, coaches, and all the staff of every team I have been on.” From the small town of Sant Boi de Llobregat to the global basketball spotlight, Gasol recalled how a newspaper ad led to his first club tryout. It turns out it was a leap of faith that started it all. He joked that he made the cut because of his height, but what followed was a grind filled with growth and relentless commitment.
Gasol made it clear that representing Spain was more than just competition. “Wearing the national team jersey was never just about competing. It was about identity, pride, and purpose.” He named teammates like Juan Carlos Navarro, Jose Calderon, and Ricky Rubio: calling them brothers, and not just teammates. Their unity and values, he said, created a lasting legacy.
He didn’t forget his rivals either. “Great rivals make you better… they were not just rivals, they were ambassadors of basketball. And together we elevated the sport.” Gasol gave nods to Tony Parker, Dirk Nowitzki, Manu Ginobili, and others who helped shape international basketball.
Perhaps most touching was his tribute to those behind the scenes. He credited coach Pepe Casal and trainer Joaquin Juan, saying, “Behind every achievement in my life, behind every medal, every championship, every success, every moment — also the defeats — is my family.” Gasol concluded by stressing the importance of the journey over the destination, and shared his pride in the rising power of women’s basketball, calling it an essential part of the sport’s future.
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