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Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
Sport
Bill Plaschke

Bill Plaschke: 'I miss him so much.' Pau Gasol takes rightful place next to 'brother' Kobe Bryant.

LOS ANGELES — He was the ultimate wingman, the best supporting actor, the perfect complement.

Pau Gasol spent his seven Lakers seasons in the shadow of Kobe Bryant, accepting crude challenges, absorbing trash talk, burying his own ego for the sake of elevating his far more famous colleague in creating two NBA championships.

Every Lakers fan knew Bryant wore No. 8 and No. 24. Few knew Gasol wore No. 16.

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