Sabrina Ionescu and Pau Gasol are thick as thieves. Here's how their relationship was forged.
Sabrina Ionescu is one of women's basketball's highest-profile stars, pairing playmaking chops with impressive three-point shooting to climb up the WNBA's ranks.
Ionescu's career is littered with accolades, both individually and with her team. She's an Olympic gold medalist, a WNBA champion, and a multiple-time All-Star and All-WNBA performer.
Unsurprisingly, Ionescu's showings have captivated the masses, but there's one person in particular who has taken notice of the former No. 1 overall pick's success: former Grizzlies and Lakers supernova Pau Gasol.
Here's what you need to know about Ionescu and Gasol's budding friendship, an affection forged in the midst of unimaginable tragedy.
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Sabrina Ionescu-Pau Gasol relationship, explained
Ionescu and Gasol share a fair few qualities. Both made the hardwood their haven at their pomp, notching seven All-League spots and three championships (and counting) over the course of their glistening careers.
Yet, few things bond the two hoopers quite like their relationships with late Lakers star Kobe Bryant. Both Gasol and Ionescu formed distinctly personal friendships with Bryant — Gasol as a teammate, Ionescu as a mentee.
In Bryant's absence, Gasol has stepped up as an older "brother" to Ionescu. He's watched along as the Oregon alum has become one of the league's most prolific shooters, offering support, guidance and camaraderie along the way. When Ionescu and the Liberty clinched a spot in the 2024 WNBA Finals, Gasol took to X to praise his friend.
Such an exciting series!! Congrats to @nyliberty on advancing to the #WNBA finals. You are so good @sabrina_i20 🔥🔥 https://t.co/xNDH3w4JRV
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) October 7, 2024
He also attended Ionescu and former Raiders center Hroniss Grasu's wedding earlier in the year.
Congratulations @sabrina_i20 and Hroniss ❤️💍 pic.twitter.com/4UwGu5NlFK
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) March 15, 2024
Effectively, every notable moment of Ionescu's recent career has been accompanied by a cheering Gasol.
I’m officially a Nike Basketball signature athlete!
— Sabrina Ionescu (@sabrina_i20) March 16, 2023
The #Sabrina1, coming soon. 👀 pic.twitter.com/zHgCQYYHVi
Sabrina is magic!!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/Wj800jaxJr
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) July 15, 2023
One of my favorite moments of the @NBAAllStar. Two top shooters going toe to toe! Proud of you, sis @sabrina_i20 ❤️pic.twitter.com/N7zIahAuJ5
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) February 19, 2024
We always love seeing you play, little sis! Congrats on the W @sabrina_i20! 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/j5pMZnR9UX
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) May 18, 2024
The 2025 WNBA 3-Point Contest was no exception. Gasol was front row as Ionescu took aim from beyond the arc.
Pau Gasol is here supporting Sabrina Ionescu. pic.twitter.com/o4bT2Q7geS
— hank 🇰🇷 (@Brian_Haenchen) July 19, 2025
And when she conquered the field and took home her second 3-Point crown, Gasol embraced her with a hug
.@sabrina_i20 🤝 @paugasol
— NBA (@NBA) July 19, 2025
Sabrina Ionescu is now a 2x WNBA Starry 3-Point Contest Winner!pic.twitter.com/8DGCtlegVM
The Ionescu and Gasol relationship looks as strong as ever. Their closeness with each other and the Bryant family shines through whenever they come into contact with one another. Expect that fondness to continue to develop as Ionescu's career progresses.
MORE: Sabrina Ionescu picks up second 3-Point Contest title with 30-point outburst
Category: Basketball
