Lakers: Kobe Teased Pau Gasol Prior to Winning Their First Ring Together

While on the Lakers together, Kobe Bryant teased Pau Gasol about always being second place

One of the benefits of Kobe Bryant’s ongoing farewell tour is the various stories that fans are able to learn solely because reporters know that Kobe’s finally willing to answer their nostalgic questions.

On top of detailing his relationship with the city of Chicago, and how close he came to becoming a Bull in 2004 and 2007,  this time, after the 126-115 loss to the Chicago Bulls Sunday night, Kobe’s newest story was about former teammate Pau Gasol.

According to LA reporter, Mark Medina, after winning the Olympics in 2008, Kobe used his gold medal to motivate Pau Gasol to become a better player.

"But Bryant also showed another side after the Lakers’ loss to Boston in the 2008 NBA Finals and the U.S.’s gold-medal win over Spain in the Beijing Olympics. Both to motivate and tease his teammate, Bryant hung his gold medal by Gasol’s locker to open the 2008-09 season.“ ‘You can’t finish second in June this year,’ ” Bryant recalled saying. “ ‘You have to get your (stuff) together.’ ”"

ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, documented the same conversation as follows:

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Despite Kobe’s reputation for being a cold blooded killer on the basketball court, and having that competitive drive rivaled only by Michael Jordan, it’s interesting to document Kobe and Pau’s dynamic friendship over the years.

The two couldn’t be more opposite: one a flashy guard, the other a silky smooth big man, but I guess it’s true when they say that opposites attract. Without Kobe, it’s doubtful Pau Gasol gets to his current level of prominence, and the same can be said vice versa.

While they would have liked to finish their careers off together, sadly, that will never be the case, but with Pau Gasol’s free agency looming, who knows, maybe they bring him back to serve as the “KG” to their young players.

Next: Jordan Clarkson Has Been On An Absolute Tear in February

What are some of your favorite memories of Pau Gasol on the Lakers? Let us know in the comments below.