The Los Angeles Lakers have never had a shortage of elite talent in their ranks.
They’ve had so many legendary players that some of them are somewhat underrated when they’re on the team.
That always seems to be the case for Pau Gasol, though, as the team took to Twitter to wish him a happy birthday today.
Join us in Pau Gasol birthday wishes pic.twitter.com/XFZS74L5sC
– Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 6, 2023
Gasol has always been a classy act, and was the perfect complement Kobe Bryant needed to roll over the hump and lead the team to two NBA championships, yet it constantly felt like he wasn’t getting the respect and recognition he deserved.
He was often entangled in trade rumors despite being one of the hottest rebounders and indoor scorers in the league.
Gasol had a legendary career in Europe and with his national team, and should be recognized as one of the greatest foreign players in NBA history.
Kobe toughened it up, and he definitely knew how and when to show his teeth when things got tough.
He was also an intelligent playmaker and an elite ball handler, who had some of the softest footwork among the big men over the past three decades or so.
Gasol eventually became popular with the fanbase, and the organization made sure to give him his rightful place, retiring his jersey and placing it next to Bryant.
Fans often believe that there will never be more teammates, players, and personalities like Pau Gasol in the basketball history books.
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