Pau Gasol doesn’t play in the NBA anymore, but he’s still very tuned into the league and pays close attention to the best players and especially the ones who remind him of his late, great friend Kobe Bryant.
Sitting down on ESPN, Gasol spoke about Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves and compared him to Bryant, saying he has studied him for years.
“When I talked to [Ant] actually a couple of years ago… he said he followed Kobe [Bryant] and he admired Kobe and the Mamba Mentality, he has desire to be the best… he has to prove a little more and give a little more,” Gasol said.
"When I talked to [Ant] actually a couple of years ago… he said he followed Kobe [Bryant] and he admired Kobe and the Mamba Mentality, he has desire to be the best… he has to prove a little more and give a little more."
Pau Gasol on Anthony Edwards.pic.twitter.com/p6yCpRlsCn
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 17, 2025
Timberwolves fans surely see glimpses of Bryant in Edwards.
Like the Los Angeles Lakers icon, Edwards has a dogged spirit and drive to fight his hardest during every single game.
Bryant might not have been as brash or outspoken as Edwards, but he was a fierce competitor and demanded the most from himself and his teammates.
Gasol noted that Edwards has room for improvement, and Timberwolves followers feel the same way.
He has to “prove a little more and give a little more,” which are references to Edwards’ reliance on himself over others.
He could enhance his passing abilities and look to other players before himself more often.
Edwards just had one of his best seasons, and fans noted that there were some minor but promising changes in the way he played.
But they want to see more in the new season, and believe that Edwards could be the key to returning to the Western Conference Finals or beyond.
Gasol is comparing Edwards to Bryant, so now it’s time to see if he can become a champion like the Black Mamba was.
NEXT: Insider Reveals Offseason Update About Anthony Edwards
