Pau Gasol | Hall of Fame Enshrinement Speech

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[@lav7161]

Thank you, Pau. The media kept calling you soft. You softly went to 3 straight Finals and won 2 of them. Thanks, Champ! 🏆🏆

[@briankturner1491]

And if Bynum didn't get hurt in 2008, it would have been 3, because that year (especially late season) he was dominating anyone in his path on the court...

[@mordecaidrake]

You mean got nba rigged to LA in a dog sh*t trade so bad that they later nixed cp3 from going to the lakers as a make up act to the leagues other owners😂...and then got carried to give Kobe and the Lakers rings

[@lakersrdbest]

That's one of the things I loved about Pau, he was a true professional. When he was in constant trade talks, he always showed up and was great! Thank you Pau for the timeless Lakers memories 😊❤️💪

[@jxmmykriminallive]

@@mordecaidrake cry harder

[@mordecaidrake]

@jxmmykriminallive he says with no sense of irony as he cries about my comment in the thread. What a ridiculous imp, 😄 .. spit or swallow slurp lord your mouth is full... 🤣

[@cyber6sapien]

If you don't understand why Pau chose Toni Kukoc to induct him into the Hall, go research Toni's Euroleague career. One of the greatest Euroleague players EVER!

[@luissolares7007]

That is why kikos is in the hall of fame not cause of his nba career

[@MADMAX-tq9cz]

Tony is a an OG b ball player!

[@ktbeatty]

Well, I don't disagree about how special Toni was, especially to European basketball on the world stage, but he's not who Pau chose. Kareem was supposed to present him, and perhaps that's all you need to know about Pau. I pray we don't lose the Captain soon.

[@tpsam]

​@@ktbeattyit was supposed to be Kobe

[@lidiamorgado8369]

@@ktbeatty Indeed he chose both Kukoc and Abdul-Jabbar. They were both special and important to him.

[@allenbasco3016]

Pau's respect to Kobe is still felt until this day. 😢 We miss you Bean! 💜💛

[@faizanchoudhury6910]

why do you have to make this about kobe, pau had an incredible individual career

[@gr8filibuster]

Bro, leave KB out of this, you weirdo. I bet you have had family members die, and yet, your social media is full of KB worship

[@yowhatsmyname]

Congrats Pau. Kobe would have been excited and proud.

[@aadi8692]

​@@faizanchoudhury6910You idiot don't understand Pau would never have been a player he was if Kobe did not push him to be great

[@nathanielcranshaw7839]

As a diehard lakers fan I will always love and appreciate pau gasol💜💛.

[@DJHyeFXOfficial]

This man embodies the epitome of CLASS. Not only a Hall of Fame basketball player a Hall of Fame human being. Congratulations Pau Gasol you truly deserve it.

[@legarmino6319]

One of the greatest speech ever in the Hall of Fame. Legend Pau!

[@jameslove90]

Just wanted to point out how good he was with his speach: I'd like to take Spain's citizenship so I can vote for him as Spain's president. 😂

[@richardnebens8928]

Can't express how cool it is to see Pau get this. One of the greatest and most beloved lakers ever, and just a gem of a guy. Gracias por todo desde Laker Nation.

[@zacpooler]

Here’s a man that’s speaking unbelievably eloquent in his second language. I’ll go to bat for him against anyone that calls him soft. He played with a skill and passion rarely seen amongst players, regardless of size, and against some of the best to ever do it.

[@JavierBuronCuadrado]

His third language.

[@richardsong7732]

As a Lakers fan, congrats to you Pau! thanks for all you did for us. Kobe would be so proud. Laker Nation is proud.

[@metalmacabre9991]

Hell yeah we're proud, I just wish kobe could have been alive to accept this honor, and to see Pau accept his honor as well.

[@Hasani751]

🙏🏾💜💛

[@KennnnyT]

Such a inspirational speech by Gasol. He made history with Kobe

[@2ClutchCee]

One of the most underrated and skilled bigs of all time just like his brother

[@kanajingly8957]

They had some similarities but Pau was the better scorer, while Marc was the better defender.

[@bigp7644]

Pau is a legend. Classy, skilled, loyal. All around greatness.. congrats Pau well deserved

[@Wesley-wo3eo]

Rob Pelinka trying to entertain Pau's baby is just pure gold 😅

[@drewainge1059]

Indeed

[@neilsaintjean]

Nothing but respect for Pau. Truly a competitor in both the NBA and globally. As a laker fan and a Kobe fan, you definitely made me and the rest of laker nation proud.

[@johnlouisevillafuerte4219]

Pau, great class act! Kobe loved him so much too. Without Pau, those 2 rings will never be won in Lakers 09 and 10. Love you Pau!

[@shadyorphan420]

What.. Kobe would have still got it done.

[@jameslove90]

​​@@shadyorphan420clearly you were a bit too high on weed when they played those two seasons (just kidding oc) 😂 Pau was as important as Kobe. Even Odom and Ariza played at celestial levels. Nobody wins alone, not even the best. And Kobe was the #1 absolute best for sure.

[@shamus248]

We had Kobe, KG and Timmy 2 years ago, now Pop, D-Wade, Pau, Dirk and TP The greatest era in NBA history is slowly getting the flowers it deserves

[@homesol6685]

Another level of greatness. Humble, down to earth, generous. Pure class act.

[@letsgodancin1]

My observations: 1. Pau's national team of Spain for a decade + was simply unbeatable!! 2. Tony Kukoc (Jugoplastika days) one of my heroes 3. Pau mentioning all the old school late 80's, early 90' Euro pioneer NBA players. Especially the man they called Drazen Petrovic! 4. His genuine love for Kobe

[@mainygnac]

Drazen was without a doubt solidifying hisself as a 1stBallot HallOfFamer, 1st time i seen him play when i was a kid he was matched up against Jordan & he immediately became 1 of my favorite players, i was blown away, amazed & inspired by his fearlessness & not only that, he was goin' at Jordans' neck on offense giving him that work on both ends of the court! i literally seen him demand & earn his respect from MJ thru his demeanor & body language as if Jordan said "Ok, ok this Man is built for War, lets get it!" RIP to DrazenPetrovic, still shocked & saddened by his untimely passing

[@letsgodancin1]

@@mainygnac I remember watching Drazen play for the national Yugoslavian team, Cibona and later the New Jersey Nets along Derrick Coleman and Kenny Anderson. Excellent shooter and fearless driver to the basket. Drazen and Nick Galis will forever live in our hearts!!

[@lambda3925]

Only one word to describe him: Legend.

[@thespacesbetweenstudio3346]

and Class

[@jdeleon7919]

Man, I could imagine how big Kobe’s smile is today!! Congratulations Pau!! Thank you for helping Los Angeles Win those Two Championships.

[@Uchihafan25]

The Kobe/Pau Laker teams were my personal favorite of all-time. Congratulations Pau, you're a true Lakers legend and worthy Hall of Famer.

[@actress29austin34]

Congratulations Pau, very well deserved. Lakers Legend for Life!!🔥🔥💜💛

[@aaronacero105]

Let's not forget this guy was also going to medical school to become a Doctor when first turning pro in Europe. His class and graceful articulation are an extension of his aptitude! Congrats Pau, you've raised the bar for the next generation!

[@bobby38bcn11]

I have a true and funny story to share on that. In his first year in FC Barcelona, Pau was still attending the medical school. The double shift was so hard he asked for a meeting with the university dean, to request a sabbatical year before he can choose. The dean knew nothing about basketball so he just saw a shy skinny tall kid willing to drop medical career to play ball. He strongly asked him to reconsider. Later that day the dean came home and told his family "I had a funny meeting with a student wondering what to choose between basketball and studies, I hope my words will help him drop basketball" The kids were curious and asked for the student name's. The dean said "his name is Pau Gasol, why are you asking?" The kids "BECAUSE HE IS THE BEST PROSPECT SPAIN EVER HAD !!!" They were totally devastated and explained to their dean father that he screw up big. Luckily, after thoroughly reviewing all, Pau decided against dean advice and picked basketball 😂😂

[@datsapaddlin]

Congrats Pau ya made the Lakers fan base proud.

[@The-Next-Chapter]

Helped get my boy kobe 2 more rings..before pau came things wasnt looking good..but he help turn it around for the lakers..im a fan since the grizzly days..congrats

[@shengsterino]

Can't believe I watched the whole 20mins speech. Pau has been criticised so much through those Lakers championship runs but I knew he's greater than that. Worthy legend! His pride in representing Europe and Spain His passion for the game of basketball His love for the city he played for, the team and teammates Pau made this HOF Class complete; Spain, Germany, France

[@nicandrogomezalvarez]

He took France to school that one game

[@kanajingly8957]

Nobody was criticising Pau at the time for those two championships. It's just the fucking media today who's made him somehow underrated. I blame Chris Broussard, Stephen A Smith, Colin Cowhere, Speak, and any other stupid sports media show that appears everywhere on youtube now for creating a false narrative that made fans dumber. They should be ashamed of themselves. I hate them. To be honest they've fucked up the legacies of alot of other past great players, and undermined what they have done, it's not just Pau. It sickens me.

[@raymundfernandez4172]

That "I wanna be like Mike" is Huge phrase. Hearing Pau and Tony speech. That's how MJ make Basketball Better. That's remarkable Influence.

[@modernguitarist1992]

One of the most elegant big men to ever play the game. Will always enjoy watching highlights of Pau.

[@kanajingly8957]

He had a really good post game and passed out of the double all his life.

[@toobasaurus23]

I've been watching the NBA for 35 years. This is the best HOF speech I've ever seen. Pau left all the emotion on that stage. Respect 🙏

[@tonyanapolis2424]

Words cannot express the joy and confidence when we traded for this man. You just knew and seen immediately that Kobe and him were going to do something special. Te Amo!

[@justsayin669]

He's been one of the most underrated players in NBA history. Hopefully that can change now and he can get the credit that he deserves as the true all-time great NBA player that he is.

[@ryandevera8782]

Class Personified....plain and simple. Thank you Pau, you are appreciated more than you know!

[@Lamban83]

Legend, class. Congrats 🎉 Paul Gasol, well deserved.

[@WrestlingIsReal649]

Rip Kobe he would have been proud 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@briannao9251]

I wish Kobe was there for Pau’s speech. Pau said in an interview a few days ago he would have had Kobe presenting him before his Hall of Fame speech had he been alive. Rip Kobe 💜💛

[@bluegregory6239]

I think we all wish that could have happened, even fans of rival teams.

[@user1164]

Congratulations Pau, very well deserved. Lakers Legend for Life!!🔥🔥

[@simplysie4]

Pau is a class act! What a powerful message at the end! A call to action!

[@CTM901]

Congratulations Pau Gasol. As a Memphis Grizzlies fan, I appreciate you building the foundation for our Grizz team today. We'll never forget you

[@kanajingly8957]

Happy for Memphis, but I wish there was still a basketball team in Vancouver as well, let alone Seattle.

[@arielfrancisco5114]

Will never forget those golden years with Lakers that I watched as a kid ! Even the classic USA vs Spain matchup, proud of u Pau, thanks for being a great help to Kobe winning those 2 !

[@TheCaptainAidan]

The truest definition of class and honor. The Spanish Pride. Pau Gasol.

[@danidelacruz6297]

I like how he ended it in Spanish. Idk why it just felt nice. I literally never heard him speak English since Im not too into bball. I thought he might speak English like Vladimir Guerrero.

[@jdash24ful]

Lakers legend! Thank you Pau we love you and Bean is proud of you brother 💜💛

[@sharellmobley5348]

I love Vanessa Bryant gold dress. I know she got sad and teary eyes when Pau said I wish Kobe and Gianna was here. R.I.P. Kobe and Gianna Bryant

[@kanajingly8957]

well particularly for her daughter. Nothing like losing your own child.

[@purpleman1974]

That was a perfectly built, brilliant, charming speech. Doing that in a language that´s not your own, it does not matter how you own it after years, and under the pressure of being inducted in such a prestigious ceremony, is really remarkable.

[@KZ-HERO823]

Congratulations, Pau！🎉You've helped the Lakers create even more glorious history. I am deeply grateful for all the achievements that Pau has left behind.🏆💜💛

[@MasonZenji]

Those Lakers games with you playing were some of my favorite years. Congratulations and well deserved! Pau is a class act amongst so many incredible players! You exemplified the passion of the game. Thank you so much for the great memories!

[@lloydtenaglia5493]

Great speech. Well deserved Pau 🙌

[@antonioamate7294]

Felicidades por una gran carrera y hacernos tan orgullosos y felices a todos los españoles por tantos años

[@sproutzer]

Love Pau always been nothing but pure class. Purple and Gold for life 💜💛

[@charlychips]

Fantastic Pau. We are proud of you!!

[@francomartinez3061]

Congrats Pau Gasol,very well deserve HOF...he made History of LA Lakers and Kobe👏👏👏💪💪👍👍👍👍💜💛🏆🏆🐍

[@sharfree4214]

Congratulations Pau‼️👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾. What an incredible speech! I loved him when he played with Memphis...but when he was traded to the Lakers..it was a dream come true! Laker Legend 💜💛. Welcome to the HOF! ❤

[@DungNguyen-vn3eu]

He was going to be a doctor if he wasn't a basketball player. Speaks volumes to his character.

[@patitoduck123]

It feels surreal to see all these legends we grew up watching entering the hall of fame. It doesn’t even seem that long ago that we were seeing them playing in those heated matchups from the late 2000s early 2010s. Now they’re retired and we won’t see them play again. Nostalgic af lol

[@JamesonScalia]

Love you Pau. Thanks for the memories and those 2 titles with Laker Nation.

[@Villasttp]

Congrats Pau! A huge Knick fan that followed your career and game, loved watching you compete, despite the narrative of being soft, you played w finesse, amazing passer & could put up an easy 20 & 15 any night 🙋🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️ I know Kobe is extremely proud smiling down on you 🤝🏽

[@lilbfrom094princeton8]

Here as a Bulls fan, congratulations Pau 💯

[@tototyxxx]

getting teary eye with all the speeches, God I love basketball

[@mi-khaelquires6243]

You are my childhood hero Pau. Always will be my basketball idol. Well deserve Pau!!! 🎉❤

[@Danny24]

True class. Thank you Pau!

[@raulbarnett7092]

Besides Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson, Pau Gasol my favorite Lakers, 2 Time NBA Champion with the Lakers, Congratulations, Felicidades Pau, Go Lakers!!!!

[@LARULES100]

Shaq

[@22goon22]

This should be the definition of a class act! Congrats my brother!

[@seanfainsan4002]

Great speech. Loved watching him win with Kobe all those years. It's Incredible to see this group enter into the Hall. Seeing the Euro players reminds me again that Basketball has truly become an international sport. I say so because I feel it was "our" sport but going through the Jordan era (in my opinion) clearly changed everything and did so through pure global inspiration. With all the Euro sucess stories, I also wonder if this is something we might actually lack these days, but that is another topic. Congratulations to Gasol. LA has nothing but love for this man.

[@roadtripusa9433]

With this class, an entire era comes to end. Those were the guys my age or a couple of years younger I watched entire careers of. Man, this hits hard. Pau, Dirk, DWade, Pop… 😮

[@_kdotp]

Absolutely professional. Loved watching his career. Well deserved, Pau!

[@Mechyboy1]

He made our Lakers great again coming to the squad in 08. Kudos to this enshrinement PG 16

[@MeezyTubee]

YOU DESERVE ALL YOU AWARDS. THANK U PAU ❤️

[@nbapbaupdate8338]

Paul Gasol underrated Hall of Fame career 👊

[@jemaradrao740]

Truly a class act from the great Pau Gasol 🙏

[@LeoIndie]

Grande Pau. Grande. Muy Grande!. Gracias por todo lo que dio en la NBA y al basquet FIBA. Un grande de la historia del básquet. Saludos desde Argentina!

[@yahiko9422]

when he talk about kobe... man, tears stream down my face ... damn.. i miss kobe

[@Sin-G]

Class personified and now eternally dignified, PG16 foroever in LAL's heart...we love you, Man 💛💜

[@VICTORZITOSS]

This guy gets so underrated. In 2006, he was the complete motor of a team as a guy who had to make the functions of point center, power forward and regular center. The team had a top3 the slowest pace ever (when addapted with opponent's pace) and that's why his numbers don't stand out as much but he could have been remembered as genuinely great on his own and not just all-star caliber on his own and great with somebody else

[@GuilePatrick]

Pau Gasol,A player who plays with heart...lots of heart...Thank you Pau...my favorite Laker... #16 on sets, #1 in our hearts... (I think he was also #17😊)

[@juveroff]

Gracias por hacernos soñar, Pau. Eres una leyenda. Te queremos!

[@marcosmartinescudero7265]

Congratulations, Pau ! Having followed you all along your basketball career, I feel so proud of you, as a basketball player and specially as the great person that you are. You inspire me.Thank you.

[@Mr.Wonderful888]

What a damn good player from out the gate. And that run with Kobe.

[@Bigbaby950]

Pau gasol was always very fun to watch for many years!

[@yoe91]

Another great HOF speech. These are precious. I've got the biggest compliment you can give a player for Pau: I hated him. I hated how he beat my team France, and how good he was in the NBA against teams I supported. When a fan hates a player, that's the greatest compliment the player can receive.

[@dsantifit]

Great player & seems like a even better person! Well deserved HOF Pau Gasol congratulations‼️

[@ivanmadridcc3289]

que orgullo de persona, paisano... maravilla de todo...persona, jugador, hermano, hijo, cuñado, tío, ll.....la pera. Un abrrazo lectores

[@iamgunscorpiorhl_]

Gracias Pau por esos momentazos, que jugador eras madre mía, comencé a ver la NBA en el 2013 pero gracias a KZbin pude ver cómo jugabas, parte icónica e importante de esos Lakers del Repeat🫡 ••• Pdta: Cuando muestran a Marc sólo ponen abajo "Hermano de Pau", siendo que también es campeón de la NBA, ya que lo ganó con los Raptors en el 2019, y a nosotros los Warriors (😢)

[@emmeluisaramos1185]

Wow to be able to spontaneously recall significant events of your career is remarkable…truly you’re admirable both as intelligent player and as person 👏👏

[@LFKGooner]

Great speech Pau. Thanks for the memories bro 🙏🏾

[@smith9670]

Forever with gold and purple in his veins, Laker legend forever Pau 💛💜

[@elpred0]

Pau, you havebeen always one of the best examples to follow, and not only in basketball. Congratulations for your archiviement. Keep being who you are

[@nitinchitrala4778]

Congratulations Pau! One of my favorite players growing up, can't think of an accolade more deserved

[@raijinrasetsuii8820]

humble, soft spoken, class. that Pau Gasol!

[@SlabHouse805]

i was in the 7th grade or 8th but i remember being at barber shop and remember on of the barbers put on sports center and were shock that we were able to get pau for kwame man couldnt belive all this years later how much he means to us laker fans of that era

[@denizcanbr]

Thank you every player who make us remember Kobe and not letting us to forget him. Love y'all god bless you ♥

[@tabe8850]

This is the perfect representation of Pau’s career. You expect class and and dignity without any silly antics. He was just that kind of NBA player that separated himself from the rest by being himself. A truly great player and an unbelievable LAKER!!! Congrats Mr. Gasol. You earned this honor.

[@kalandkarazor-el3088]

Congrats and thank you Pau!! Once a Laker, always a Laker. You've always been a class act and can't wait to see what you do next inside or outside basketball

[@migscabangon2025]

CONGRATS PAU.gracias

[@sebastianschwald1625]

He really comes accross as an amazingly humble human being…nothing more, nothing less. A great man!

[@itk.r8rsn8k15]

What a great feeling it is to raise a child into a gentleman like Pau Gasol. Congratulations Boom Boom Pau!

[@danidelacruz6297]

I love the detail of his parents never missing a game or practice. My father never missed a game or practice. My mom usually stayed home during practices but never missed a game either.

[@DavidSimon-xu2rr]

One of my favorite players of all time🎉

[@juniorrivas3719]

His brother always guided him and motivated to be and do better every single time they stepped foot on the court

[@iMAKEbeatsPEOPLE]

Congrats Pau. You were a beast! I was so impressed w all the plays you made on route to the chips. Amazingly deserved.

[@rex_master]

What a speech ❤

[@jamess101]

Such a Class Act, Congrats and well deserved Pau, and like you I wish Kobe and Gigi were there as well, Bless you, Felicidades Pau🙏💜💛

[@boston_jorge]

Gasol was the momentum the lakers needed and they rode that momentum to back to back championships