To recall, in 2019, Bryant challenged Antetokounmpo to win the championship next after succeeding in winning the MVP award. Two years or 757 days later, the Greek Freak did just that.

Gasol, who had been great friends with Kobe since playing for years with the Lakers, couldn’t by any happier for the accomplishment. And he made sure to let Kobe know that his legacy lives on with the younger generation of athletes headed by Giannis.

For what it’s worth, Giannis Antetokounmpo also spoke about Kobe Bryant’s challenge to him after he won the Larry O’Brien trophy and Finals MVP award on Tuesday. While he admitted that asking the Lakers legend for his challenge started as a joke, the moment the Black Mamba responded made him realize what he can accomplish.

According to the Bucks superstar, Bryant’s response pushed him to even better and exceed his limits to touch a territory he never thought he’d be able to reach. But now, he’s no longer just an MVP winner and Defensive Player of the Year. He’s also a champion.

It’s unfortunate Kobe wasn’t there to witness how his words inspired Giannis, but as Pau Gasol hinted, the Lakers icon is surely proud of it.