The Los Angeles Lakers have had no shortage of elite talents in their ranks.
They’ve had so many legendary players that some of them are even somewhat underrated when they’re on the team.
That always seemed to be the case with Pau Gasol, though the team took to Twitter to wish him a happy birthday today.
Join us in wishing Pau Gasol a very Happy Birthday 🗣 pic.twitter.com/XFZS74L5sC
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 6, 2023
Gasol was always a class act, and he was the perfect complement Kobe Bryant needed to get over the hump and lead the team to a couple of NBA championships, yet it constantly felt like he didn’t get the respect and recognition he deserved.
He was often tangled up in trade rumors despite being one of the most serviceable rebounders and interior scorers in the league.
Gasol had a legendary career in Europe and with his national team, and he has to be recognized as one of the greatest foreign players in the history of the NBA.
Kobe toughened him up, and he sure knew how and when to show his teeth when things got complicated.
He was also a savvy playmaker and elite ball-handler, and he had some of the smoothest footwork among big men over the past three decades or so.
Gasol eventually became popular among the fanbase, and the organization made sure to give him his rightful place, retiring his jersey and putting it right next to Bryant’s.
Often taken for granted, fans better believe there won’t be many more teammates, players, and characters like Pau Gasol in the basketball history books.
NEXT: Fans React To Today's Special Kobe Bryant Announcement
