The entire basketball world has been in a state of shock since the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant.
Bryant’s former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Pau Gasol recently took to social media to express the deep sorrow he has been dealing with since Bryant’s death.
I still refuse to believe it… it still feels like a nightmare that I can’t wait to wake up from… but if this nightmare continues, I will do what I can to keep your legacy going and your lessons present in everything I do. pic.twitter.com/n3DL1NHjko
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 30, 2020
Gasol went on to tweet out one of his favorite quotes from Bryant.
“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” Kobe Bryant 💔🙏🏼
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 30, 2020
Finally, he expressed gratitude for the time he had with Bryant.
I will be heartbroken for a long time, but I will forever be thankful for having had shared so much together. You inspired me and pushed me to be a better version of myself everyday. As you have done with many others.
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 30, 2020
Gasol and Bryant played together from 2008 to 2014. Together, they helped lead the Lakers to two NBA titles.
While Bryant was often known as a tough teammate to play with, he and Gasol clicked early on during their partnership and went on to form a strong friendship.
Since Sunday’s deadly helicopter crash, basketball stars from nearly every era have come forward to express their sadness.
Those expressions have been especially heartfelt and powerful from Bryant’s former teammates. Shaquille O’Neal’s message earlier this week was especially poignant.
Of course, Gasol knows that this is not a nightmare that he will wake up from. Bryant really is gone. So, Gasol will have to do what he promised in his post: to keep Bryant’s legacy going in everything that he does from here on out.
