Pau Gasol facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Pau Gasol

Gasol with FC Barcelona in 2021
Power forward / center
Personal information
Born	(1980-07-06) July 6, 1980 (age 44) Barcelona, Spain
Listed height	7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
Listed weight	250 lb (113 kg)
Career information
NBA Draft	2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
Pro career	1998–2021
Career history
1998–2001	FC Barcelona
2001–2008	Memphis Grizzlies
2008–2014	Los Angeles Lakers
2014–2016	Chicago Bulls
2016–2019	San Antonio Spurs
2019	Milwaukee Bucks
2021	FC Barcelona
Career highlights and awards
2× NBA champion (2009, 2010) 6× NBA All-Star (2006, 2009–2011, 2015, 2016) 2× All-NBA Second Team (2011, 2015) 2× All-NBA Third Team (2009, 2010) NBA Rookie of the Year (2002) NBA All-Rookie First Team (2002) No. 16 retired by Los Angeles Lakers All-EuroLeague Second Team (2001) 3× Liga ACB champion (1999, 2001, 2021) Spanish King's Cup winner (2001) Spanish King's Cup MVP (2001) ACB Finals MVP (2001) 2× FIBA Europe Player of the Year (2008, 2009) 2× Mister Europa Player of the Year (2004, 2009) 4× Euroscar Player of the Year (2008–2010, 2015) Spanish Sportsman of the Year (2011) FIBA World Cup MVP (2006) 2× FIBA EuroBasket MVP (2009, 2015) FIBA EuroBasket Dream Team (2020)
Career statistics
Points	20,894 (17.0 ppg)
Rebounds	11,305 (9.2 rpg)
Assists	3,925 (3.2 apg)
Medals Men's basketball Representing  Spain Summer Olympics Silver 2008 Beijing Team Silver 2012 London Team Bronze 2016 Rio de Janeiro Team World Cup Gold 2006 Japan Team EuroBasket Gold 2009 Poland Team Gold 2011 Lithuania Team Gold 2015 France Team Silver 2003 Sweden Team Silver 2007 Spain Team Bronze 2001 Turkey Team Bronze 2017 Turkey Team

Pau Gasol Sáez (born July 6, 1980) is a famous Spanish former professional basketball player. He was a six-time NBA All-Star and won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010. Gasol was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2002, making him the first non-American player to win this award. Many people think he is one of the best power forwards and European players of all time. His younger brother, Marc Gasol, also played in the NBA.

Gasol was picked third overall in the 2001 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks. However, his rights were soon traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He played for the Grizzlies for over six seasons. After that, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers (2008–2014), the Chicago Bulls (2014–2016), the San Antonio Spurs (2016–2019), and the Milwaukee Bucks (2019).

Pau Gasol also had a very successful international career with the Spanish national basketball team. He won a FIBA World Cup title, three EuroBasket titles, two Olympic silver medals, and one Olympic bronze medal. He was named MVP of the 2006 FIBA World Cup and MVP of the 2009 and 2015 FIBA EuroBasket tournaments. Gasol is the all-time leading scorer in the EuroBasket.

In 2021, he became a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In 2023, it was announced that Gasol would be added to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a huge honor for basketball players.

Pau Gasol's Early Life

Gasol was born in Barcelona, Spain. Both of his parents played basketball. His father, Agustí, was a nurse, and his mother, Marisa, was a doctor. When Pau was born, his family lived in Cornellà, but he was born at Sant Pau Hospital where his parents worked. When he was six, his family moved to Sant Boi de Llobregat, a city near Barcelona, where he grew up.

Pau was interested in football but loved basketball. He even played rugby before focusing on basketball. People described him as a "family boy" and a "perfect student" who was a bit shy but also a joker.

He didn't always plan to be a professional athlete. When he was 11, after Magic Johnson announced he had HIV in 1991, Pau decided he wanted to become a doctor and find a cure for AIDS. He even started medical school at the University of Barcelona in 1998. However, he left after one year as his basketball career at FC Barcelona became very successful.

Pau Gasol's Pro Basketball Career

Playing for Barcelona (1998–2001)

Gasol started playing basketball as a center for his school team. He later joined CB Cornellà and then FC Barcelona's junior team when he was sixteen. With Spain's national under-18 team, he won two important championships in 1998.

He made his debut with FC Barcelona's main team in 1999. In his final season with Barcelona, Gasol averaged 12.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. FC Barcelona won the Spanish National Cup in 2001, and Gasol was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. After this success, he decided to enter the NBA draft.

Joining the NBA: Memphis Grizzlies (2001–2008)

Becoming Rookie of the Year

Pau Gasol was picked third in the 2001 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks. But his draft rights were quickly traded to the Vancouver Grizzlies. In his first season with the Grizzlies, Gasol made history. He became the first non-American player to win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. He was also named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. He played in all 82 games that season, averaging 17.6 points and 8.9 rebounds.

Gasol winning a jump ball while playing against the Lakers in the 2003–04 NBA season.

In his second year, he led the Grizzlies in scoring. He helped the team reach the playoffs for the first time in their history. Even though they lost in the first round, it was a big step for the team and for Gasol. He continued to set records for the Grizzlies, showing his skill in scoring and blocking shots.

First All-Star Game and New Records

In his fifth year with the Grizzlies, Gasol became the team's all-time leading rebounder. He also set records for free throws. On February 9, 2006, he was chosen to play in the 2006 NBA All-Star Game. This was a huge moment, as he was the first Spanish player and the first Grizzlies player ever to be an All-Star.

Gasol playing for the Memphis Grizzlies

Gasol missed the start of the 2006–07 season due to a broken foot. He got this injury while helping Spain win the 2006 FIBA World Championship, where he was named MVP. When he returned, he continued to break franchise records for the Grizzlies, becoming their all-time leading scorer. He also achieved his second career triple-double (getting double-digits in three different stats like points, rebounds, and assists) against the Utah Jazz.

Winning Championships with the Los Angeles Lakers (2008–2014)

Back-to-Back NBA Titles

On February 1, 2008, Gasol was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. This trade was a big deal and helped the Lakers become a championship team. When Gasol left the Grizzlies, he held many of their team records.

Gasol boxing out in 2008

Gasol quickly fit in with the Lakers, especially with superstar Kobe Bryant. He helped the Lakers finish the season with the best record in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, he played a key role, helping the Lakers reach the NBA Finals. He became the first Spanish player to reach the NBA Finals. The Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics that year, but it was a sign of great things to come.

Dunk by Gasol in Game 2 of the 2008 NBA Finals

In 2009, Gasol was named an All-Star again. He helped the Lakers win their first NBA championship with him, defeating the Orlando Magic in the Finals. The next year, in 2010, Gasol signed a new contract with the Lakers. He had another amazing season and helped the Lakers win their second straight championship, again beating the Boston Celtics in a thrilling Game 7 of the Finals. He was a crucial part of these championship teams.

Final Years with the Lakers

Gasol continued to play well for the Lakers. He was named an All-Star for the third time in a row in 2011. However, the team faced challenges, and Gasol dealt with injuries. In 2013, he suffered a foot injury that made him miss many games. Despite this, he still showed his skill, even recording three triple-doubles in his last seven games that season. His time with the Lakers ended in 2014, as he became a free agent.

Playing for the Chicago Bulls (2014–2016)

Gasol with the Bulls in 2015

On July 18, 2014, Gasol signed with the Chicago Bulls. He felt it was a great challenge he was ready for. He quickly made an impact, recording a career-high 9 blocks in a game in January 2015. Ten days later, he scored a career-high 46 points against the Milwaukee Bucks. He led the league in double-doubles (getting double-digits in points and rebounds) during the 2014–15 season.

In December 2015, Gasol played his 1,000th regular-season game. In February 2016, he was chosen as an All-Star again. He also recorded two triple-doubles that season, showing his all-around game. He became one of only a few players aged 35 or older to have multiple triple-doubles in a single season. In April 2016, he reached 10,000 career rebounds, becoming one of only 36 NBA players with both 10,000 points and 10,000 rebounds.

Time with the San Antonio Spurs (2016–2019)

Gasol joined the San Antonio Spurs in July 2016. In January 2017, he broke a finger during warmups and needed surgery, missing some games. When he returned, he continued to play well. On April 12, 2017, Gasol reached 20,000 career points, becoming only the second European player to do so after Dirk Nowitzki.

He re-signed with the Spurs in 2017. In December 2017, he recorded his 10th career triple-double. He also moved up in the NBA's all-time rebounding list. In March 2019, he left the Spurs.

Short Stint with the Milwaukee Bucks (2019)

Gasol signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in March 2019 but only played in three games. He suffered a left ankle injury that ended his season and required surgery.

Returning to Barcelona (2021)

After a brief time with the Portland Trail Blazers where he didn't play due to injury, Gasol returned to his home club, FC Barcelona, in February 2021. He helped them win the 2020–21 ACB championship and reach the final of the 2020–21 EuroLeague.

On October 5, 2021, Pau Gasol announced his retirement from professional basketball, ending a remarkable career.

Pau Gasol's National Team Career

Pau Gasol with brother Marc at the 2012 Summer Olympics

Pau Gasol started playing for the senior Spain national basketball team in 2001. Before that, he had won gold medals with Spain's junior teams in 1998 and 1999. With the senior team, he won a bronze medal at the 2001 EuroBasket tournament. He was named the Spanish Sportsman of the Year in 2001.

He achieved great success with the Spanish team, winning the 2006 FIBA World Championship and the 2009 and 2011 EuroBasket tournaments. He was named MVP in the 2006 World Championship and the 2009 EuroBasket. He also won silver medals at the 2003 and 2007 EuroBasket, and two Olympic silver medals in 2008 and 2012.

Gasol was the highest-scoring player at the 2004 Summer Olympics. He was also Spain's flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics. In the 2015 EuroBasket, Gasol was named MVP again after amazing performances, averaging 25.6 points per game. He scored 40 points in the semifinal against France, showing his leadership.

On September 7, 2017, Gasol became the FIBA EuroBasket's all-time leading scorer, passing Tony Parker. He finished his EuroBasket career with 1,183 total points.

Pau Gasol's Player Profile

Gasol during EuroBasket 2011

Pau Gasol is 7 feet tall. He was very athletic for his size, which allowed him to play both power forward and center. He was a skilled scorer close to the basket and from mid-range. He could use both hands, making him hard to guard. Gasol used many different moves like jumpers, hook shots, and fakes to score efficiently. He was also fast for a big player, which helped him run fast breaks.

He was also a great passer for a big man, averaging 3.2 assists per game in his career. On defense, he was good at blocking shots, averaging 1.7 blocks per game. Kobe Bryant once said that it's hard to find a big player with Gasol's unique skills in basketball history.

Gasol recorded over 550 double-doubles in his NBA career. He is one of only 36 players in NBA history to reach 10,000 points and 10,000 rebounds. He is also one of only four players with 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 3,500 assists, and 1,500 blocks.

Pau Gasol's Personal Life

Gasol in 2008

Pau Gasol has always been very interested in medicine. He often visited Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and would ask doctors detailed questions about their work. He even planned to watch a spinal surgery, showing his deep interest beyond just visiting patients.

Gasol has many different interests. He taught himself Italian and French, in addition to his native Catalan and Spanish, and English. When he played with Kobe Bryant on the Lakers, they would sometimes speak in Spanish during games so opponents couldn't understand their plans. Gasol also enjoys reading historical novels, playing classical music, and attending concerts and operas. He is friends with famous Spanish singer Plácido Domingo.

Gasol married Catherine McDonnell in July 2019. Their daughter, Elisabet Gianna Gasol, was born in September 2020. Her middle name, Gianna, is a tribute to Kobe Bryant's late daughter. Kobe's widow, Vanessa Bryant, is Elisabet's godmother. In December 2022, they welcomed a son named Max.

His younger brother, Marc Gasol, also played in the NBA, including for the Los Angeles Lakers. Their youngest brother, Adrià, played college basketball at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Pau's parents even moved to Memphis when he signed with the Grizzlies to be closer to their sons.

Pau Gasol's Work and Social Commitment

Pau Gasol is known for his dedication to helping others. In 2003, he became a UNICEF ambassador. Since then, he has participated in many campaigns, traveling to Africa several times to help with UNICEF projects. He received awards for his charity work, including the "Gold Heart" in 2004 and the Charitable Athlete Prize in 2010. Gasol has worked to support child survival and fight malnutrition in Africa. He also works with the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, visiting them whenever he is in Memphis.

In 2009, Gasol joined the "Hoops for St. Jude" charity program to benefit the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In 2010, UNICEF's "Pau Project" started in Ethiopia to help fight child malnutrition. He also took part in a campaign against HIV.

In 2012, the Professional Basketball Writers Association praised Pau for showing "everything that is good about NBA players and their charity projects." In 2015, they gave him the Magic Johnson Award for his work. In 2018, he spoke about using his public profile to help others. In 2019, UNICEF Global named him Global Champion for Nutrition and Zero Childhood Obesity.

Gasol Foundation

In 2013, Pau and his brother Marc started the Gasol Foundation [ca]. This foundation helps promote healthy living habits and fights childhood obesity. In 2015, Pau created a special t-shirt to support the Foundation's work. The Foundation's headquarters moved to Sant Boi, where Pau was born. They have received awards for their efforts against childhood obesity.

In 2019, the Gasol Foundation released a study called "Estudio Pasos." This study looked at obesity levels and physical inactivity in children and teenagers. Pau Gasol called for action from governments, families, and the food industry to solve this problem.

Supporting Equality in Sports

In May 2018, Pau Gasol wrote an open letter supporting women as coaches in sports, especially for the NBA. He pointed out that in the NBA's long history, there had never been a woman head coach. He encouraged everyone to embrace new social norms for equality and diversity.

Membership in Sports Groups

From 2017 to 2020, Gasol was the vice president of the NBPA (National Basketball Players Association), which represents NBA players. He was the first player to be on the executive committee without having played in the NCAA.

Since June 2019, Pau Gasol has been part of the Advisory Council of Spanish Sport. He is also a Strategic Advisor and Global Ambassador for Barça in the United States. In these roles, he promotes the values of sports and healthy living.

Pau Gasol's Career Statistics

NBA

Regular season

Playoffs

EuroLeague

Awards and Honours

Awards in Spain and Europe

• Spanish King's Cup winner (2001)
• Most Valuable Player of the Spanish King's Cup (2001)
• Spanish League champion (1999, 2001, 2021)
• Spanish League Finals MVP (2001)
• All-EuroLeague Second Team (2001)
• 2× Mr. Europa (2004, 2009)
• 4× Euroscar (2008, 2009, 2010, 2015)
• 2× FIBA Europe Player of the Year (2008, 2009)
• 2× All-Europeans Player of the Year (2009, 2010)

NBA Awards

• 2× NBA champion (2009, 2010)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team selection (2011, 2015)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team selection (2009, 2010)
• 6× NBA All-Star (2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016)
• NBA Rookie of the Year Award (2002)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2002)
• Gasol's no. 16 was retired by the Los Angeles Lakers on March 7, 2023

Spanish National Team Awards

Gasol won the gold with Spain at EuroBasket 2011.

• Gold medal at the 1998 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship
• Gold medal at the 1999 FIBA Under-19 World Championship
• Bronze medal at the 2000 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship
• Bronze medal at the EuroBasket 2001
• Spanish Sportsman of the Year (2001)
• Silver medal at the EuroBasket 2003
• Top scorer of the EuroBasket 2003
• Gold medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship
• Most Valuable player of the 2006 FIBA World Championship
• Silver medal at the EuroBasket 2007
• Silver medal at 2008 Summer Olympic Games
• Gold medal at the EuroBasket 2009
• Top scorer of the EuroBasket 2009
• Most Valuable player of the EuroBasket 2009
• Gold medal at the EuroBasket 2011
• Silver medal at 2012 Summer Olympic Games
• Gold medal at the EuroBasket 2015
• Top scorer of the EuroBasket 2015
• Most Valuable player of the EuroBasket 2015
• Bronze medal at 2016 Summer Olympic Games
• Bronze medal at the EuroBasket 2017
• FIBA EuroBasket 2000–2020 Dream Team

Images for kids

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  Gasol with FC Barcelona in 2021

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  Gasol winning a jump ball while playing against the Lakers in the 2003–04 NBA season.

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  Gasol playing for the Memphis Grizzlies

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  Gasol boxing out in 2008

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  Dunk by Gasol in Game 2 of the 2008 NBA Finals

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  Gasol in 2013 came off the bench after starting 345 games for the Lakers.

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  Gasol with the Bulls in 2015

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  Pau Gasol with brother Marc at the 2012 Summer Olympics

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  Gasol won the gold with Spain at EuroBasket 2011.

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  Gasol during EuroBasket 2011

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  Gasol in 2008

See also

In Spanish: Pau Gasol para niños

• List of National Basketball Association career scoring leaders
• List of National Basketball Association career rebounding leaders
• List of National Basketball Association career blocks leaders
• List of European basketball players in the United States
• List of UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors
• Sports in Spain