Russell Westbrook says “Pau Gasol was my first favorite player, even before Kobe”

Lakers star Russell Westbrook has revealed to reporters that Pau Gasol was his “first” favorite player growing up, even before Kobe Bryant.

“Very few people know this. Pau was actually my favorite player growing up, before Kobe. I just liked how he played the game, I feel like he played it the right way. He was a big man, I know. But he played the right way, he could pass it, score it, shoot it. To me, I just liked the way he played the game, at his size. I wouldn’t say I modeled my game after him, but I liked the way he played it,” Westbrook said.