What happened: The Spanish big man turned 46 years old on Monday. The organization celebrated the two-time champion during the NBA offseason.

Why it matters: Gasol holds a permanent place in the team's lore after serving as the primary frontcourt catalyst for the 2009 and 2010 title runs. His midseason acquisition in 2008 immediately transformed the roster into a perennial contender.

What to watch: The current front office continues assembling the roster for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.