NBA Honors Pau Gasol with Kia Community Assist Award

Four-time NBA All-Star forward Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers continues to make his presence felt off the basketball court with his contributions to the community in the city of Los Angeles. Along with Gasol’s charitable and philanthropic work, the international basketball star has shown his support for the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles over the past few years.

It is no secret that Gasol has a soft spot for doctors and the medical professional. Before making the decision to become a professional basketball player, Gasol seriously considered pursuing a career as a doctor and has never strayed too far away from helping people in need in terms of health care.

This year the NBA and Kia has honored Gasol with the 2011-12 Kia Community Assist Award for all his contributions off the floor.

Gasol talked about being the first recipient of the Kia Community Assist Award via NBA.com:

“I am honored to receive the 2011-12 Kia Community Assist Award and thrilled that it will benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles,” said Gasol. “Supporting children’s health and wellness is my passion, and Children’s Hospital does a tremendous job of giving children with serious illnesses a chance to grow up and become healthy adults.”

As a result of winning the award, Gasol will have $25,000 donated by the NBA and Kia on his behalf to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Gasol will also receive the David Robinson Plaque. On the plague, the inscription reads as follows, “Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved the community piece by piece.”

A major part of Gasol’s contribution to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles this year was his partnership with a health care company called Grifols which is based out of his native Barcelona. Earlier this year, Grifols donated a Phocus RX machine to the Children’s Hospital.