Pau Gasol froze 'emotionally and mentally' on hearing about Kobe Bryant's death

Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant played seven NBA seasons toger and won two championships toger (2009 and 2010 seasons). For 10-year anniversary of Los Angeles Lakers winning ir championship in 2010, Pau Gasol discussed his time with Lakers and relationship with late legend Kobe Bryant. Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven ors lost ir lives in a tragic helicopter crash in January. 

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Where was Pau Gasol when he heard about Kobe Bryant's death?

While talking to ClutchPoints, Pau Gasol revealed that he was driving back home in Barcelona when he heard about Bryant's death. He stated that he froze while his wife, who was beside him, told him news. He froze mentally as well as emotionally but knew he had to make it home to find out what was going on.

Pau Gasol recalled him thinking it was some sick joke and wanted to tell his wife it was t funny. However, by time he got home, y realised news was most probably true. Gasol admitted to t believing news for days and hoped that Kobe Bryant had made it.

As per Pau Gasol, if anyone could have survived something like that, it was Bryant. Gasol admitted that though it has been months, incident is still fresh and painful. 

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Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant's relationship over years

Even though Gasol moved on to play with Chicago Bulls, Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant remained close. Gasol admitted that to him, Bryant was elder bror he never had. He was someone who had had a big influence on Gasol's career and became someone he could count on.

Gasol revealed that y would comically talk about him making boys, as Bryant could t. He admitted that he and Bryant were close and appreciated each or. Gasol added that ir communication was key to m and thinks Bryant always prided on himself being smart and prepared all time. He remembers Bryant taking of himself and team, something Gasol found inspiring.

Gasol has been in touch with Vanessa Bryant after Bryant's death and had sent a ceremonial birthday cake to her for Gianna Bryant's 14th birthday. He even posted a photo of him earning red to hour Gianna.

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