Pau Gasol recalls Kobe Bryant's Lakers welcome message for championship success

Kobe Bryant welcomed Pau Gasol to the Lakers with a midnight text, leading to a successful championship run.

The Los Angeles Lakers experienced a period of greatness with the dynamic duo of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, winning two championships during their time together. This success came after Shaquille O'Neal's departure from the team, as Bryant was determined to prove that he could lead the Lakers to victory without the legendary big man. With the arrival of Gasol, Bryant's goal was achieved.

Gasol recently shared a heartwarming story during his Hall of Fame enshrinement, revealing how Bryant welcomed him to the Lakers with a midnight text. Gasol recalled joining the team in Washington, D.C., and arriving at the hotel after midnight. To his surprise, Bryant reached out to him, expressing his desire to visit Gasol's room and personally welcome him to the team. Bryant wanted to ensure that Gasol felt immediately embraced and understood the message of unity. He conveyed his excitement about Gasol's presence, stating, "Welcome to the team. I'm happy you're here, let's go win a championship together."

In Gasol's first full season with the Lakers in 2008-09, he and Bryant led the team to a championship. They continued their impressive performance the following year, securing back-to-back championship victories. This solidified their status as the best one-two punch in the NBA, showcasing their exceptional teamwork and skill on the court. Their partnership lasted for six seasons before Gasol made his move to the Chicago Bulls in 2014, where he further established himself as a two-time Eastern Conference All-Star.

Former Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak recently shared insights on why the combination of Bryant and Gasol was so successful. Kupchak revealed that Bryant was known for being tough on his teammates, constantly pushing them to reach their full potential. Gasol, being younger and less experienced in the playoffs, initially faced challenges adapting to Bryant's demanding style. However, Bryant's drive to win and his realization that time was of the essence fueled his determination to push Gasol to excel. Kupchak emphasized that this tough love ultimately led to one of the greatest relationships between teammates. While the regular season had its difficulties, it was during the playoffs when Bryant's relentless push became crucial for success.

Together, Bryant and Gasol formed an unstoppable force in the NBA. Although they won two championships, their impact extended far beyond the titles they earned. Their sustained period of success and their ability to elevate each other's game will forever be a significant part of the Lakers' history. The memories of their remarkable partnership will continue to inspire future generations of players and fans alike.