In the ongoing efforts of David Stern to make the NBA a worldwide brand, Pau Gasol is being dispatched on a journey to India. The Spaniard won’t be alone in his journeys as he’ll have the Larry O’Brien Trophy riding shotgun to Mumbai.
Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times details Gasol’s “relaxing” summer as the two-time world champion takes a break from his commitments to the Spanish National team, works twice a day with his personal trainer, all the while prepping for his first trip to India.
Gasol’s selection as ambassador to India speaks to how far he’s risen in the hoops world since becoming a Laker just three seasons ago. But that is to be expected when you’re winning titles for the most glorious franchise in all of basketball.
So go forth and spread the gospel, Saint Pau!
Perhaps Pau’s pilgrimage will inspire some youngster in Mumbai to become the Indian Gasol. Hopefully Dr. Buss will own exclusive rights to said Punjabi Pau. And Commissioner Stern making in roads with over a billion potential NBA fans ain’t bad either.