Pau Gasol is one of the best forwards in NBA history.
He will forever be linked to Kobe Bryant due to the fact that the star duo led the Los Angeles Lakers to back-to-back titles from 2009-10.
“I love you, brother.” 💛💜#GraciasPau pic.twitter.com/3DbzcxdM3i
— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2023
On Saturday, Bryant would have turned 47.
One person who sent a message to the former Lakers superstar was Gasol.
His Instagram post had over 31,000 likes in two hours.
Gasol wrote: “Happy Birthday, hermano. I miss you and love you always ❤️”
Many NBA fans sent love to Gasol in the comments of his post.
@kobehighlight_: “Nothing’s been the same since. We miss you Mamba. 💜💛”
@d_villarr9: “I want a friend that looks at me the way Pau looked at Kobe 😢🔥❤️good times 🙌”
@malia0859: “Awwww 😢😢😢😢 the saddest day ever when he died with his daughter 😢 Happy Birthday Kobe boy do we all miss you 😢 ❤️”
@mamaa_.12: “Happy Birthday Kobe🕊️🏀❤️, we miss you so much.”
@pablobravo.eventlab (translated to English): “How great you are, Pau! Every time you post a message from this guy true friendship is appreciated. 😍 Miss Kobe ❤️”
Feb 21, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) talks with Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images / Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Gasol played part of seven seasons with Bryant and the Lakers.
In that span, the Hall of Famer had averages of 17.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.4 blocks per contest while shooting 52.2% from the field in 429 games.
As for Bryant, he was with the Lakers for his entire 20-year career.
They won five NBA Championships (and made the NBA Finals seven times) in that span.