Without Kobe, Gasol would have no championship in his career and has always been carrying the title of a soft boy

On May 20, in the long history of the NBA, the combination of Kobe Bryant and Paul Gasol is undoubtedly a legend. Without Kobe, Gasol might have had a completely different career - he might not be able to win the championship trophy and would have always been carrying the title of "soft egg". This collaboration not only changed Gasol's career, but also reshaped the evaluation of him.

Gasol played for the Memphis Grizzlies before joining the Lakers. Although he has excellent personal data and can contribute 18+8 per game, the team has never been able to break through the first round in the playoffs. This experience made Gasol labeled "unable to lead the team to win" and even mocked as a "soft egg". The NBA environment at that time was full of prejudice against European players, believing that their style of play was weak and could not adapt to the high-intensity playoffs. Although Gasol is skilled, he lacks enough support in the Grizzlies system, especially in the leadership ability at critical moments. In February 2008, Gasol was traded to the Lakers, and this turning point completely changed his career.

Kobe's influence on Gasol was immediate. Kobe is one of the most competitive players in the league, and his desire for victory is almost paranoid. Gasol once recalled: "Bryant never allowed me to relax, he was always pushing me to be better." This harsh love allowed Gasol to quickly adapt to the Lakers' system and show a higher level on both sides of the offense and defense. Kobe's leadership and decisiveness at critical moments shared the pressure for Gasol, allowing him to focus on areas he is good at - high-level support, low-level singles and rebounding protection. The chemistry between the two first emerged in the 2008 playoffs. Although they lost to the Celtics in the finals, Gasol's performance was already eye-catching. In 2009 and 2010, the Lakers won the championship for two consecutive years, and Gasol's role cannot be ignored. Especially in the 2010 Finals vs. the Celtics, Gasol scored 19 points and 18 rebounds in Game 7, completely washing away the stigma of "soft eggs". Kobe publicly praised Gasol after the game: "With him, we wouldn't have won this series." Gasol's tenacity and comprehensiveness were maximized in Kobe's system. He is no longer the criticized European big man, but one of the core of the Lakers dynasty.

Without Kobe, Gasol might have had a career full of regrets like many talented but lacking support. Kobe not only provided Gasol with an environment to win, but also helped him build his championship mentality. Gasol once admitted: "Bryant taught me how to be a winner." This change in mentality allowed Gasol to maintain a high level after leaving the Lakers, and even continued to play an important role during the Bulls and Spurs. This was also proven later in the career of Gasol. He averaged 17+11 per game with the Bulls and was selected as the All-Star; in the Spurs, he became the leader of the locker room and helped young players grow. These achievements are inseparable from the experience and confidence he accumulated during the Lakers. Kobe's influence is not only limited to the skills and tactics on the court, but also his shaping of Gasol's psychological level.

Gasol and Kobe's relationship surpasses ordinary teammates. After Kobe's death, Gasol publicly expressed his nostalgia for him many times and took care of Kobe's family in his life. This deep friendship also reflects Kobe's profound influence on Gasol's life. Gasol once said: "Bryant is one of the most important friends in my life, and he has changed everything about me."

From "soft egg" to champion center, Gasol's transformation is the best proof of Kobe's influence. Without Kobe, Gasol might have continued to play the role of a data brush in the Grizzlies, unable to reach the glory of the championship, nor can he get rid of external doubts. Kobe's severity, trust and leadership allowed Gasol to find his position and eventually join the ranks of great NBA insiders.

This cooperation also gave the NBA an inspiration: a suitable partner can change a player's career. Kobe and Gasol's success is not accidental, but is based on mutual trust and complementarity. Gasol's skills and basketball IQ, coupled with Kobe's killer instinct, made the Lakers' glory. Without Kobe, Gasol's story might have been another version—a version full of regrets.