Pau Gasol’s Touching 3-Word Tribute to Vanessa Bryant While Embracing Kobe After Lakers Triumph… Read More…

Pau Gasol’s Touching 3-Word Tribute to Vanessa Bryant While Embracing Kobe After Lakers Triumph… Read More…

In a moment that transcended basketball, former Los Angeles Lakers star Pau Gasol delivered a powerful and emotional tribute to Vanessa Bryant after the Lakers secured their latest NBA championship. With the crowd at Crypto.com Arena roaring in celebration, cameras captured a tender moment where Gasol embraced a mural of Kobe Bryant and softly uttered three poignant words to Vanessa: “He’s with us.”

The message, simple yet powerful, has since reverberated through the sports world, stirring fans, players, and the Bryant family alike. It served not only as a tribute to the legendary Kobe Bryant but also as a symbol of enduring friendship, legacy, and the bonds that surpass the boundaries of life and death.

A Night of Glory and Emotion

The Lakers’ victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the NBA Finals marked a historic night for the franchise. It was the team’s 18th championship, pushing them past the Celtics for the most in NBA history. But for Gasol, the night wasn’t just about basketball—it was about remembrance, love, and healing.

Gasol, who played an instrumental role in the Lakers’ back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010 alongside Kobe Bryant, was present at the game as an honorary guest. When the final buzzer sounded and purple and gold confetti rained from the ceiling, Gasol didn’t rush to the main stage. Instead, he quietly made his way to the Kobe Bryant mural near the entrance to the players’ tunnel—a mural that has become a sacred site for Lakers fans and players.

There, with cameras rolling and a silent hush falling over the area, Gasol placed his hand gently on Kobe’s image, leaned forward, and said, “He’s with us.” The moment was captured by ESPN and has since gone viral on social media platforms, drawing millions of views and heartfelt reactions.

Vanessa’s Response: “Family Always”

Vanessa Bryant, widow of the late Kobe Bryant, responded to Gasol’s message with a moving post on Instagram. Sharing the video clip of Gasol’s gesture, she wrote:

“Pau, you’ve always been more than a teammate—you’re family. Thank you for keeping Kobe’s spirit alive. He would be so proud. 💜💛 #He’sWithUs #ForeverMamba”

Vanessa and Pau have maintained a close relationship since Kobe’s passing in the tragic helicopter crash of January 2020. Gasol has frequently visited the Bryant family, spent birthdays and holidays with Vanessa and her daughters, and become a “tío” (uncle) to Kobe’s surviving children. His tribute at the championship game was just the latest display of that enduring bond.

Gasol Reflects on the Moment

Speaking to reporters in the post-game press area, Gasol was visibly emotional as he explained his tribute:

“This win, this team, this night—it all felt like Kobe was here. I could feel him in the building, in the fans, in the players. I just wanted Vanessa to know, in that moment of victory, that we carried him with us. He’s still part of this journey. He’s still with us.”

Gasol went on to praise the Lakers’ current roster for their resilience and unity, crediting the team’s young stars and coaching staff for “reclaiming the championship spirit Kobe embodied.”

The Legacy Lives On

Kobe Bryant’s presence has remained a strong undercurrent throughout the Lakers’ playoff run this season. From players wearing No. 24 and No. 8 wristbands to the pre-game Mamba Mentality videos played in the locker room, the team has made a conscious effort to honor the legacy of their fallen leader.

Head coach Darvin Ham told reporters:

“Before every game, we talked about playing with Mamba Mentality—fearless, focused, and relentless. Pau’s message tonight captured exactly what this win means to all of us. It wasn’t just for the franchise. It was for Kobe. It was for Gigi. It was for the entire Bryant family.”

A Brotherhood Beyond the Court

Gasol and Kobe’s friendship was one of the NBA’s most beloved bonds. From their first days as teammates in 2008, the two developed a deep connection, often referring to each other as brothers. Kobe once called Gasol his “favorite teammate,” and their chemistry on the court was mirrored by their mutual respect and affection off of it.

In 2021, during Gasol’s jersey retirement ceremony in Spain, Vanessa Bryant sent a video message in which she said:

“Kobe cherished Pau. He always said you were the key to those championships. But more than that, he loved you like family. And we do too.”

Tonight’s gesture only reinforced that sentiment.

Fans and Players React

Social media exploded with admiration for Gasol’s heartfelt tribute. NBA legends like Magic Johnson, Dwyane Wade, and Dirk Nowitzki shared their respect for the former Lakers big man.

Magic Johnson tweeted:

“Pau Gasol showed us once again what class, loyalty, and love look like. That moment with Kobe’s mural will live forever.”

Meanwhile, current Lakers stars like Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves called the moment “goosebump-worthy” and “spiritually powerful.” Reaves told TNT:

“When Pau said that, you could feel the arena go still. It was like Kobe was right there with us. You don’t play for the Lakers without feeling his impact.”

A Moment That Will Echo Through Time

As the celebration continued through the night, with fireworks lighting up the Los Angeles skyline and fans flooding the streets outside the arena chanting “Mamba Forever,” one quiet, sincere moment stood apart from the frenzy. Pau Gasol’s three words—“He’s with us”—reminded the world that sports are more than wins and losses. They are about connection, legacy, and love.

For Lakers Nation, and for Vanessa Bryant, it was more than a championship. It was a tribute. A healing. A reminder that the Mamba spirit endures—not just in banners and rings, but in hearts and memories. And thanks to Pau Gasol, that spirit was beautifully, powerfully honored once again.

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