On Friday, Pau Gasol was introduced as a member of the Chicago Bulls. Despite numerous offers from the Los Angeles Lakers, the two-time champion chose to sign with a legitimate title contender in Chicago rather than returning to a rebuilding process in Los Angeles.
Following Gasol’s introduction in Chicago, the two-time NBA champion talked about his close relationship with Kobe Bryant and the tough decision to head to the Bulls, according to Marca.com:
“We have a true friendship. We talked. He told me he will always support me. Our relationship goes beyond basketball. Our friendship is for life. He said he will always be there for me as I will be for him.”
Gasol will join forces with Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah in Chicago potentially creating one of the most talented and dynamic frontcourts in the NBA. The Spaniard will add some much needed offense and veteran leadership to team in desperate need of both attributes.
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During his time in Los Angeles, Gasol helped lead the Lakers to three NBA Finals appearances and two titles while playing alongside Kobe. The two stars created a bond that will last a lifetime and maybe in the near future they’ll both be immortalized by having their retired jerseys hanging in the rafters at Staples Center.
In the meantime, Kobe will continue to strive for a sixth ring while Gasol chases a third in Chicago. Although there seems to be no quit in Kobe’s pursuit of another ring, it’d be safe to say Gasol has the best chance to win another championship before calling it a career.
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