Why does Gasol thank Kobe? Gasol said he would not be able to enter the Hall of Fame without Kobe

On June 27, in the world of basketball, some friendships transcend cooperation on the court and become an indispensable part of each other's lives. The story of Paul Gasol and Kobe Bryant is such a legend. In 2025, when Gasol was officially inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, he thanked the late Kobe affectionately and said bluntly, "Without Kobe, I can't enter the Hall of Fame." This sentence is not only a tribute to a great teammate, but also a profound look back at the years of hard work together.

Gasol's fate with Kobe began in 2008. At that time, the Lakers obtained the Spanish star from the Grizzlies through a trade. At that time, the Lakers were in the reconstruction period of the post-O'Neal era. Although Kobe had outstanding personal abilities, the team never returned to the peak. Gasol's arrival is like a perfect puzzle, filling the gap in the Lakers' inside line and allowing Kobe to find a real partner. The two's chemical reaction was almost instantly effective - Gasol's comprehensive technicality, high-ball business and selfless team spirit are perfectly matched with Kobe's killer instinct and leader temperament. In 2008, the Lakers returned to the finals. Although they eventually lost to the Celtics, Gasol's performance gave Kobe hope.

The following 2009 and 2010, Gasol made an indelible contribution to the Lakers' championship. Especially in the tiebreak battle against the Celtics in the 2010 Finals, Gasol's rebounds and scores at critical moments helped the Lakers complete their revenge. Kobe has publicly praised Gasol many times, calling him "one of his best teammates in his career." Gasol also admitted that it was Kobe's strict requirements and paranoidness about victory that allowed him to grow into a more comprehensive player. "Kobe would not tolerate any slackness, he forced me to become tougher and more confident," Gasol recalled.

Kobe's influence is not only reflected in the court. Gasol once mentioned that Kobe taught him how to become a true leader. During the Lakers, Kobe often had one-on-one with Gasol in training, and even pulled him to study the video repeatedly after the game, analyzing every detail. This almost harsh attitude has made Gasol's technical and psychological qualities qualitatively leap. Off the court, Kobe also helped Gasol better adapt to the NBA culture and life in Los Angeles. The friendship between the two gradually surpassed basketball and became close friends in each other's family.

In 2014, Gasol left the Lakers and traveled to the Bulls, Spurs and Bucks, but his career has always been marked by Kobe. In 2020, Kobe unfortunately passed away, and Gasol was one of the most hit people. Not only did he express his nostalgia for Kobe many times in public, he also tried his best to take care of Kobe's family in his daily life, especially becoming Kobe's "uncle" to his daughters. This friendship moved countless fans. In his Hall of Fame speech, Gasol admitted that his career might have been a different story without Kobe. "Bryant made me understand what the championship mentality is, and he made me believe that I can do more," Gasol said. Indeed, before joining the Lakers, Gasol was always labeled as "soft" despite his excellent skills, and Kobe helped him tear off this label, making him one of the most dominant big men in the league.

To some extent, Kobe and Gasol's collaboration is one of the most successful combinations of international players and local superstars in NBA history. Not only did they win the championship, they also redefined the possibility of an internal and external partner. Gasol's gratitude is not only a personal tribute to Kobe, but also a cherishment of the collective memory of that glorious period.

Now, Gasol's name is forever engraved on the wall of honor in the Hall of Fame, and Kobe's shadow is always with him. Their stories remind us that basketball is not just a game of victory or defeat, it is about trust, growth and eternal friendship. As Gasol said, "Bryant made me a better player and a better person." This sentence may be the most perfect summary of this legend.