Latest news with #Gasol
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Dude, Why Didn't You Tell Me That On The First Day?": Ricky Rubio On Lakers Legend Pau Gasol's Advice To Him Late In His NBA Career
"Dude, Why Didn't You Tell Me That On The First Day?": Ricky Rubio On Lakers Legend Pau Gasol's Advice To Him Late In His NBA Career originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Ricky Rubio recently appeared on the "Lo de Evolve" show and reflected on his life and career in a deep dive into his past, like his dark thoughts and how other people helped him out in his career. Among the people he mentioned, one of the prominent names that popped up in the conversation was that of the Lakers legend Pau Gasol, who was also his teammate for the Spanish National Team from 2008 to 2021. Rubio spoke about how Gasol became a standard of measurement for himself and that his primary goal was to have a better career than Gasol. He also revealed that a little late in his career, he got some noteworthy advice from his teammate. "For me, nothing was enough. One of the people I've looked up at most was Pau Gasol. I thought I had to get past his career. I want to now ask him if he had a good time on his journey on this path.' "And one of the things I asked him now, too late, I told him that when I went out on the court, I thought it was the worst, and through there I found the motivation. And he said he thought he was the best." "Dude, why didn't you tell me that on the first day?" said Rubio as he chuckled. [Aforementioned quotes have been translated from Spanish to English] Gasol believed that one should be overconfident to find the motivation to be effective when it matters the most. Meanwhile, Rubio believed an underdog mindset helped him find his fuel for motivation. Rubio always compared himself to Gasol despite being teammates for 13 years. Gasol is arguably the best Spanish basketball player to have played in NBA history. He averaged 17.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in his career across 18 seasons. The two-time NBA champion was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 2023. Meanwhile, despite Rubio's successes on the international level, his NBA career never came close to what Gasol ended up achieving in his career. He averaged 10.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in the 12 seasons he played in the NBA. He never won a championship, let alone had any personal achievements like the MVP Award or any All-Star selections. Therefore, this difference in mindset clearly yielded different results for both the Spanish players, and now Rubio hilariously feels that if Gasol had given him the advice sooner, Rubio's career may have ended differently. Do you think a mindset change was what Rubio needed to excel in his career? Let us know your opinions in the comments story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hamilton Spectator
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Game 7 memories from stars and celebs: Kobe Bryant stands out
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night had a number of sports celebrities — from outside the basketball world, even — thinking of one player. Kobe Bryant. Bryant played in only one Game 7 of a finals, that coming in 2010, but for plenty in the sports world his 23-point, 15-rebound effort that led the Los Angeles Lakers to an 83-79 win over the Boston Celtics for his fifth and final championship still stands out as the quintessential moment from ultimate games. The NBA asked celebrities and star athletes what Game 7 makes them think of, and some of the responses got right to the point. 'Kobe,' soccer legend David Beckham said. 'What do I think?? I think Lakers 2010 — Pau (Gasol) and Kobe,' tennis star Carlos Alcaraz said. Another tennis great, Novak Djokovic, said he thought of Lakers-Celtics in 2010 and the Cleveland-Golden State finale where LeBron James and Kyrie Irving came up big late for the Cavaliers in 2016. 'I'm thinking about electric atmosphere on the stands, no one is seated for the whole game,' Djokovic said. 'I'm thinking about Kobe and Gasol stellar performance in Game 7 of 2010 Lakers-Celtics and I'm thinking about LeBron's block and Irving's 3 pointer to seal the deal for Cavs vs Warriors Game 7 in 2016 thriller.' Cavs-Warriors 2016 another memory Part of the lore of the Cleveland-Golden State finale in 2016 wasn't just James getting a chase-down block against the Warriors' Andre Iguodala in the final moments. It was also ABC announcer Mike Breen's description of the call. Tennis player Ben Shelton and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua both remembered Breen's line perfectly: 'Blocked by James,' they both responded. Other quotes A selection of other responses collected by the NBA: 'Where legends are born.' — tennis' Frances Tiafoe. 'This is basketball, the game that everybody wants to watch. Can't wait !!!!!!!' — soccer star Kylian Mbappé. ''All eyes.' It's my stage.' — Colorado football coach and former NFL and MLB star Deion Sanders. 'GOAT TIME.' — NFL legend Jerry Rice. 'When I hear the words Game 7, I automatically think of the epic and legendary 3-pointer that Ray Allen made in Game 6 to force Game 7, where my Miami Heat team went on to win the NBA Finals championship.' — rapper Flo Rida. 'It's About to Go Down!!! Who will become legend? MJ, Kobe, Bron ... who's next?' — Cedric the Entertainer. 'Control what you can control mentality! I just wanted to make sure I did all the little things for my team.' — Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade. 'Everything you ever worked on and worked for is all in this one moment. Take it play by play ... leave it all on the court.' — former Heat guard Mario Chalmers. 'Play into the emotion. Don't expect fair. Expect the unimaginable.' — Cleveland's Iman Shumpert, part of the 2016 Cavs win. ___ AP NBA:
Fox Sports
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Game 7 memories from stars and celebs: Kobe Bryant stands out
Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night had a number of sports celebrities — from outside the basketball world, even — thinking of one player. Kobe Bryant. Bryant played in only one Game 7 of a finals, that coming in 2010, but for plenty in the sports world his 23-point, 15-rebound effort that led the Los Angeles Lakers to an 83-79 win over the Boston Celtics for his fifth and final championship still stands out as the quintessential moment from ultimate games. The NBA asked celebrities and star athletes what Game 7 makes them think of, and some of the responses got right to the point. 'Kobe,' soccer legend David Beckham said. 'What do I think?? I think Lakers 2010 — Pau (Gasol) and Kobe," tennis star Carlos Alcaraz said. Another tennis great, Novak Djokovic, said he thought of Lakers-Celtics in 2010 and the Cleveland-Golden State finale where LeBron James and Kyrie Irving came up big late for the Cavaliers in 2016. 'I'm thinking about electric atmosphere on the stands, no one is seated for the whole game,' Djokovic said. 'I'm thinking about Kobe and Gasol stellar performance in Game 7 of 2010 Lakers-Celtics and I'm thinking about LeBron's block and Irving's 3 pointer to seal the deal for Cavs vs Warriors Game 7 in 2016 thriller.' Cavs-Warriors 2016 another memory Part of the lore of the Cleveland-Golden State finale in 2016 wasn't just James getting a chase-down block against the Warriors' Andre Iguodala in the final moments. It was also ABC announcer Mike Breen's description of the call. Tennis player Ben Shelton and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua both remembered Breen's line perfectly: 'Blocked by James,' they both responded. Other quotes A selection of other responses collected by the NBA: 'Where legends are born.' — tennis' Frances Tiafoe. 'This is basketball, the game that everybody wants to watch. Can't wait !!!!!!!' — soccer star Kylian Mbappé. ''All eyes.' It's my stage.' — Colorado football coach and former NFL and MLB star Deion Sanders. 'GOAT TIME.' — NFL legend Jerry Rice. 'When I hear the words Game 7, I automatically think of the epic and legendary 3-pointer that Ray Allen made in Game 6 to force Game 7, where my Miami Heat team went on to win the NBA Finals championship.' — rapper Flo Rida. 'It's About to Go Down!!! Who will become legend? MJ, Kobe, Bron ... who's next?' — Cedric the Entertainer. 'Control what you can control mentality! I just wanted to make sure I did all the little things for my team.' — Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade. 'Everything you ever worked on and worked for is all in this one moment. Take it play by play ... leave it all on the court.' — former Heat guard Mario Chalmers. 'Play into the emotion. Don't expect fair. Expect the unimaginable.' — Cleveland's Iman Shumpert, part of the 2016 Cavs win. ___ AP NBA: recommended
Winnipeg Free Press
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Game 7 memories from stars and celebs: Kobe Bryant stands out
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night had a number of sports celebrities — from outside the basketball world, even — thinking of one player. Kobe Bryant. Bryant played in only one Game 7 of a finals, that coming in 2010, but for plenty in the sports world his 23-point, 15-rebound effort that led the Los Angeles Lakers to an 83-79 win over the Boston Celtics for his fifth and final championship still stands out as the quintessential moment from ultimate games. The NBA asked celebrities and star athletes what Game 7 makes them think of, and some of the responses got right to the point. 'Kobe,' soccer legend David Beckham said. 'What do I think?? I think Lakers 2010 — Pau (Gasol) and Kobe,' tennis star Carlos Alcaraz said. Another tennis great, Novak Djokovic, said he thought of Lakers-Celtics in 2010 and the Cleveland-Golden State finale where LeBron James and Kyrie Irving came up big late for the Cavaliers in 2016. 'I'm thinking about electric atmosphere on the stands, no one is seated for the whole game,' Djokovic said. 'I'm thinking about Kobe and Gasol stellar performance in Game 7 of 2010 Lakers-Celtics and I'm thinking about LeBron's block and Irving's 3 pointer to seal the deal for Cavs vs Warriors Game 7 in 2016 thriller.' Cavs-Warriors 2016 another memory Part of the lore of the Cleveland-Golden State finale in 2016 wasn't just James getting a chase-down block against the Warriors' Andre Iguodala in the final moments. It was also ABC announcer Mike Breen's description of the call. Tennis player Ben Shelton and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua both remembered Breen's line perfectly: 'Blocked by James,' they both responded. Other quotes A selection of other responses collected by the NBA: 'Where legends are born.' — tennis' Frances Tiafoe. 'This is basketball, the game that everybody wants to watch. Can't wait !!!!!!!' — soccer star Kylian Mbappé. ''All eyes.' It's my stage.' — Colorado football coach and former NFL and MLB star Deion Sanders. 'GOAT TIME.' — NFL legend Jerry Rice. 'When I hear the words Game 7, I automatically think of the epic and legendary 3-pointer that Ray Allen made in Game 6 to force Game 7, where my Miami Heat team went on to win the NBA Finals championship.' — rapper Flo Rida. 'It's About to Go Down!!! Who will become legend? MJ, Kobe, Bron … who's next?' — Cedric the Entertainer. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 'Control what you can control mentality! I just wanted to make sure I did all the little things for my team.' — Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade. 'Everything you ever worked on and worked for is all in this one moment. Take it play by play … leave it all on the court.' — former Heat guard Mario Chalmers. 'Play into the emotion. Don't expect fair. Expect the unimaginable.' — Cleveland's Iman Shumpert, part of the 2016 Cavs win. ___ AP NBA:
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pierce reveals the difference in Gasol's approach when facing Celtics in 2010 NBA Finals: "I saw that Kobe installed that in him"
Pierce reveals the difference in Gasol's approach when facing Celtics in 2010 NBA Finals: "I saw that Kobe installed that in him" originally appeared on Basketball Network. When the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a crushing loss to the Boston Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant knew it wasn't the end of the story. Two years later, the rematch arrived, and this time, the Black Mamba and the rest of the Purple & Gold came prepared. C's legend Paul Pierce reflects on what made the difference for Bryant and the Lakers when they met again in the 2010 Finals. Advertisement "He took (Pau) Gasol, All-Star, top player, and put a new battery pack in his back," The Truth said on Fox Sports' SPEAK. "That was the difference. Gasol was a different player. He played meaner, he played tougher, and I saw that Kobe installed that in him." Pierce's point highlights how Bryant's impact extended beyond his numbers. That's not to say he didn't work on his own game, but he knew he had to instill the same mindset in the Spaniard to get past Boston. As a result, Gasol returned with a tougher, more physical edge, the type of mentality the Black Mamba demanded from his teammates. That transformation helped change the complexion of the series that went seven games, turning a weakness into one of the Lakers' most significant strengths. Different Pau Gasol was still clearly the second-best player for the Lakers in their first Celtics matchup. After all, he averaged 15/10 and three while shooting over 53 percent from the floor. Nonetheless, Pau often looked like a deer in headlights when Boston put on the pain. It was the Spaniard's first trip beyond the early rounds of the playoffs, and the intensity seemed to catch him off guard. Advertisement After another title run in 2009, Pau showed a glimpse of his newfound dog mentality. He helped hold Dwight Howard to 49 percent shooting in the Finals and increased his per-game averages in several categories. Of course, that would have been all for naught if Gasol hadn't shown up against the Celtics a year later. In 2010, the big man (11.6) averaged more rebounds than Boston's starting frontcourt (Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins combined for 11.4 RPG), including an 18-board effort in a Game 7 slugfest. Kobe doubled down on his belief that Pau was the difference-maker in that series, thanks to KB's influence. Paul already explained and used the same "battery pack" analogy in an April 2025 guest appearance on the All the Smoke podcast. It was evident to Pierce that the dude they pushed around in 2008 was a different animal altogether after two years. Related: "Yeah, they'll probably have to do something" - Bird says the NBA will be forced to move the 3-point line back if high volume continues Other game-changers The 2009 Lakers championship squad was more dynamic, with Trevor Ariza starting at small forward; however, the L.A. brass refused to rest on their laurels. They felt the team still needed to upgrade the position from a physicality standpoint, so they convinced then-named Ron Artest to sign the dotted line. Advertisement "They added Ron, so they added some toughness that was able to match us. That's why it's like a battle of two Goliaths going seven games where it could go either way," noted Pierce. Artest earned his paycheck that series by checking Pierce. After averaging 22 points, five rebounds, and six assists in 2008 when he was named Finals MVP, Paul was held to 18/5/3 with Ron sticking to him like glue. The man who later ended up being known as Metta Sandifor-Artest was also the Lakers' third-leading scorer in the series, inspiring a 13-point comeback in Game 7 as he scored 20. With tweaks here and there, Los Angeles came back built for the fight. Gasol shed his 2008 struggles and met Boston's physicality head-on, while Artest gave them a defensive stopper who made Pierce work for every shot. Bryant set the tone, but it was his supporting cast that embodied the mindset he demanded. That collective edge was what carried the Lakers to the top. Related: "It's not going to happen on our home court" - Pau Gasol discusses what motivated him to not lose the 2010 NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
