The retired 41-year-old basketball player opens up about his personal life in a four-episode documentary Pau Gasol: It’s About the Journey. The audience gets to see more than the athlete. It gets to witness the Spaniard as a family, a husband, and a father.

In the series, the Spanish giant (7ft tall) admits that the birth of his daughter has changed his world. Pau and his wife, Catherine McDonnell, welcomed their first child, Elisabet Gianna Gasol, on September 13, 2020. Her middle name is a tribute to his close friend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in January 2020, along with seven other people.

The Spaniard Will Forever Miss His Friend

In the documentary, Pau Gasol tearfully recounts his emotions three days after losing his former teammate and Gianna. He shares that Kobe used to tell him that he’ll send him his girls so he could teach them about culture, awareness, and other things. He continues by adding that he and his family will try to be there for Vanessa and her three girls, Natalia, 18, Bianka, 4, and two-year-old Capri.

Pau and his wife told Vanessa Bryant about Elisabet’s middle name over FaceTime because of the global pandemic. They felt that Kobe’s widow was happy about the news and honored by their decision. They also shared with her that they would like for her to be their baby girl’s godmother.

More About Paul Gasol’s NBA Career

Pau Gasol joined the NBA in 2001 after being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks and traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. After eight seasons he was transferred to the L.A. Lakers where he played alongside Kobe Bryant and won two championships. From 2014 to 2019, the Spaniard was part of three different teams, the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and the Milwaukee Bucks.

These days, the retired Gasol is enjoying spending time with his loved ones, including Bryant’s family. Becoming a father has also boosted his desire to expand his family.

If the lockdown taught us anything, it is that our favorite restaurant today may not exist tomorrow. Therefore, let us take advantage of our city’s legendary restaurants while we still can. Atlanta has a slew of new and exciting restaurants to try, but let’s not forget about the scene’s stalwarts. From the opulent to the unpretentious, every restaurant on this list is worth a visit at least once.

#1. A Bite at Ponce City Market, Atlanta

It’s difficult to miss the colossal Ponce City Market, Atlanta. While the former Sears, Roebuck warehouse now houses a food hall, boutiques, and apartments, it is still worth visiting despite its touristy nature. You’ll find tempting options such as Indian street food restaurant Botiwalla and H&F Burger in the food hall. On the second level, there is Pizza Jean’s (come on, they make pizza dough with house-milled flour!) and the newly opened Bar Vegan (think fancy drinks and vegan Philly cheesesteaks).

#2. Farm Egg at Miller Union

Miller Union is a landmark of Atlanta, best known for Steven Satterfield’s whimsical approach to vegetables. However, the farm egg may be the star of the menu. The egg is baked in rich celery cream with an earthy flavor. Additionally, it comes with grilled bread, which you’ll wish you had more of to savor every bite.

#3. Dinner at Nationally Lauded Staplehouse

When Staplehouse in Atlanta opened in 2015, it was an instant hit, and it’s easy to see why. Chef-owner Ryan Smith creates whimsically plated dishes with a minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes the freshness of the ingredients. When the restaurant is open for regular service, the menu rotates frequently, but you can always count on seasonal produce and delectable menu staples like the fluffy potato rolls. Staplehouse has successfully reinvented itself as a market in the modern era. Visitors can purchase beer, wine, and provisions such as produce and charcuterie. Most importantly, diners can continue to order Smith’s food via takeout. The menu is small and includes grains with mushrooms and a farm egg, as well as smoked brisket sold by the pound. It’s available to eat on their back patio or to take home.