Kobe Bryant says he and Pau Gasol are team-mates forever – NBA News
Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol share a complicated relationship to say the least.
They are the two stars of the most famous, and the second most decorated basketball franchise in the history of NBA – the Los Angeles Lakers. Being in the alpha team of Hollywood for well over five years, one can only imagine the
media attention that they receive.
But, their stardom and success is not hollow. The two have together won back to back NBA championships in 2009 and 2010. Both realize that they could not have won the championship rings without each other’s help, and that is what
forms the foundation of their relationship.
On the other hand, it is a known fact that Bryant was frustrated by the lack of aggression and hunger on display by Gasol in the playoffs of the past two seasons, leading to the Lakers being eliminated early in both years.
This past season, the Lakers were blown away by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 5 games in the Western Conference Semi Finals after barely defeating the Denver Nuggets in 7 games. Gasol once again failed to bring the intensity that
had made him an impeccable player in the 2009 and 2010 playoffs, and Kobe was critical about his performance in private and as well as during press conferences. There were signals that the two players might not be getting along well, and the trade rumours
surrounding Gasol throughout last season did not help subdue the rumours.
But when Bryant was asked a question about his team-mate while travelling with the U.S team in Barcelona in preparation for the London Olympics, he went out of the way to defend the Spaniard.
During a media session for team USA, Bryant was asked the status of Gasol as a Laker, and replied:
“As long as I’m there, he’s going to be there.”
The statement comes as a surprise to many, but suggests that all is well after all between the two team-mates.
Bryant seems to be particularly positive about the Lakers chances next season ever since the Lakers managed to sign point guard Steve Nash in free agency this month. His addition has instantly catapulted the Lakers from an afterthought
this past season to title contenders for the next season. Bryant, in search of his 6th championship ring, played an important role in convincing Nash to join the Lakers.
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