Pau Gasol Explains Why His Relationship With Kobe Bryant Worked Well On And Off The Court

Pau Gasol gets honest about his amazing relationship with Kobe Bryant on and off the court.

Credit: Fadeaway World

NBA legend Kobe Bryant had several amazing teammates throughout his career, but he didn't see eye-to-eye with most of them. However, Pau Gasol was an outliner who won back-to-back NBA Championships for the Los Angeles Lakers. The two shared a bond beyond the hardwood. But how did the two players manage to have such a great relationship both on and off the court? Well, Gasol recently shared the reason behind it in an interview.

Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol won two back-to-back NBA Championships for the Los Angeles Lakers. The two shared a bond that went beyond the hardwood. But how did the two players manage to have such a great relationship both on and off the court? Well, Gasol recently shared the reason behind it in an interview.

"We just complimented each other well," Gasol said. "He brought a unique edge, work ethic and dedication to the game. He appreciated my IQ, my understanding of the game, my ability to catch the ball, having good hands and being able to make plays for myself and my teammates. It kind of balanced what he brought to the table. I didn't come here to get into any kind of battle with him. I just wanted to help the team win championships."

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Gasol and Kobe had one simple goal when they became teammates - to win NBA titles. That's why Bryant motivated Gasol after the Lakers' defeat in the 2008 NBA Finals.

The duo collected themselves and then went on to win back-to-back rings in 2009 and 2010. Thus cementing their legacy as one of the most iconic duos in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Pau Gasol Opens Up On Getting His Jersey Retired Next To Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant was undoubtedly the superstar on the 2009 and 2010 NBA Championship winning rosters. But those championship runs wouldn't have been possible without the support of Pau Gasol.

Keeping that in mind, the Mamba always knew that Gasol's jersey should hang in the rafters right next to his jerseys. Well, the day has finally arrived when Gasol's jersey will be retired by the Lakers.

Gasol shared his thoughts on soon seeing his jersey next to Kobe Bryant's at the Crypto.com arena.

"Just trying to little by little take it in and just digest and comprehend that my number, my jersey, will be up there with those great amazing players and names in the history of our game. And obviously, being next to Kobe, seeing his name, it’s still emotional. And I know that that’s going to be the triggering point for me…So those two factors together are just a tough cocktail."

Pau Gasol was undoubtedly overwhelmed with emotion when talking about his jersey hanging next to Kobe's in the rafters.

The ceremony for Pau Gasol's jersey retirement will take place during halftime of the Los Angeles Lakers matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies.

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