Pau Gasol pens emotional tribute to Kobe Bryant on his first death anniversary

Pau Gasol took the time to remember Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna on their first death anniversary.

On Instagram, the NBA veteran posted photos of the father and daughter, as well as photos of him and his former teammate on the Los Angeles Lakers.

Gasol penned an emotional tribute to his close friend and brother, expressing his gratitude for the time they shared together.

"I miss you, hermano… not a day goes by that you are not present in what I do. Your spirit, your drive, your ambition, your love… continues to shine in my life and in many others," he said.

Following Kobe and Gigi's passing along with seven others in a tragic helicopter crash, Gasol made sure to spend more time with the family

He and his wife also named their firstborn daughter, born in September, in honor of Gigi.

"I wish you could've met our little Elisabet Gianna. We will make sure she knows where her middle name comes from… how extraordinary, loving and inspiring her cousin Gigi and her uncle Kobe were," he said.

Gasol won two NBA championships with Kobe in 2009 and 2010. The two developed a strong bond on and off the court.

"You have left us with so much… but even if it isn't how we would like things to be, you are, and always will be, in our hearts," he said.

—MGP, GMA News