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How Pau Gasol continues to be Kobe Bryant’s best friend after his death
Pau Gasol and Kobe formed a brotherhood as beautiful as they come.
Gasol spent seven seasons as a teammate of Kobe Bryant on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Those seven seasons included two championships and the growth of a brotherhood between the two that hasn’t stopped even since Kobe’s tragic death.
Looking after Kobe’s family
When Kobe passed away along with his daughter, Gigi, and seven others in a helicopter crash, he left behind his wife and three daughters.
“Uncle” Gasol has stepped in and made sure to look after the Bryant family in what has been a difficult time for the family. Pau and Kobe frequently referred to each other as brothers even after their playing days.
Gasol spent his 40th birthday with the Bryant family and for Gigi’s 14th birthday, he sent the family a cake. He also sent Kobe’s wife, Vanessa, a bouquet of flowers for her wedding anniversary.
Kobe made Pau the godfather of his children. Gasol has made sure to be there in any way possible for the Bryant family, who are no doubt hurting. Pau Gasol and Kobe’s brotherhood is clear, even after Kobe’s unfortunate passing.
Gasol’s wife Catherine McDonnell, recently gave birth to their first child together. With Vanessa Bryant’s blessing, they honored the Bryant family by naming her Elisabet Gianna Gasol.
Brotherhood
In game 1 of the NBA Finals, Gasol showed up to the virtual crowd wearing a Lakers “Black Mamba” edition Kobe Bryant jersey. It was a way of paying tribute to Kobe as the “Black Mamba” edition jerseys were made to honor him this season.
The Lakers are 4-0 in the playoffs when wearing the jersey up until this point.
There is no doubt that what Kobe and Pau were able to accomplish on the court was legendary. Their relationship with one another, however, was always deeper than basketball.
Even after Kobe’s death, we can see just how close he and Pau Gasol were and what their friendship meant to one another.