Pau Gasol is a basketball citizen of the world. The Spanish big man has carved out a Hall of Fame career in the NBA over a 15-year span that isn't likely to end anytime soon. The 35-year-old was voted into the All-Star starting lineup for the first time last season and is averaging 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds a game for the Chicago Bulls in 2015-16.

ESPN.com caught up with Gasol recently to pick his brain on a number of different topics, including his admiration for Kobe Bryant, why he respects the media and what he wants to do after basketball.

What's your favorite part about Chicago?

Gasol: My favorite part about Chicago -- whew -- that's a good one. I think I just appreciate how easy it is to live in, to drive from place to place. How much there is to do. I love the historical buildings, I love the architecture. I love the theaters. The theaters, there's so many beautiful theaters in the city. I love our facility, our facility is incredible. It's work, but I still can appreciate it and I still enjoy it because it's top-notch.

When you signed, Joakim Noah always talked about how much he respected you for doing so because it was so cold here. How did you get past the weather in your mind when you made the decision?

Gasol: You know [to] me, weather is not a factor. It's not a priority to me. To me, it's about winning. It's about having a good chance to win another title, and I thought here I was going to get that chance. So that was my priority. What we do on the floor is what dictates how important my decision was, and I felt like here was the best fit possible and I was going to have the most fun on the court and the most impact.

The three most talented players you've played with in your career are ...

Gasol: I guess I got to go with ... Kobe, Lamar Odom and, as far as talent goes, I could also say -- not [just] in the NBA, right?

It could be anywhere.

Gasol: Then probably Navarro. Juan Carlos Navarro. I mean Lamar is just so talented. Maybe he wasn't the caliber of player, a superstar, but he was just, I felt, had a very specific and unique talent that I really enjoyed and embraced and respected.

It's early, but what is the thing you like most so far about Fred Hoiberg's system?

Gasol: The versatility and the freedom. Those two things. The versatility and freedom of operation.

What is the thing you miss most about Tom Thibodeau?

Gasol: I appreciated a lot of things that Thibs brought to the table. I think his intensity. [Chuckles] Sometimes it could be a little bit overwhelming. I think [I miss most] his intensity and his passion and dedication for the game.

Pau Gasol "had the privilege" of playing with Kobe Bryant for six and a half seasons and marvels at his work ethic. AP Photo/Chris Carlson

Where is your favorite place to eat in Chicago?

Gasol: Joe's. Momotaro, Sunda. Those are good spots. Piccolo Sogno is also good.

A lot of guys hate the media. Why are you always so patient with the media?

Gasol: Because I understand where they're coming from. They've got a job to do, just like we do. And thanks to the media, we are in the position we are and we get the exposure that we do. And we get the life that we get. So it's part of our job, and we have to be thankful and appreciative to the media.

Did you learn that from anybody when you started in the league?

Gasol: I picked it up. I recognized it. And the way I was raised for sure [was part of it], my values. But I learned to understand the importance of the media and be patient ... the tougher part is when things are not going your way. Or you're struggling, the team is struggling, and the media have to do their job and they're picking a little more. And those are times when you have to be patient and understand that it's nothing personal. But at the same time, you can't shut yourself out, or walk out of the locker rooms, but certain players handle it differently. They're maybe more emotional than I am. I'm very rational so I'm able to handle it better.

The biggest difference between playing in Chicago and playing in Los Angeles is what?

Gasol: The weather. [Laughs] But also it's two different cities, even though they're two wonderful cities, and two different organizations. I'm very thankful that I've played for both in my career as well as Memphis.

If you had a dollar for every question you've been asked about Kobe Bryant, how much money would you have?

Gasol: Whew! I would have quite a bit of money.

"... I'm a big believer in the values and the power of sport and the impact that it has on society and the world. So I'd like to continue to enforce it and continue to also have a challenge for me that I can make a difference also in that aspect." Pau Gasol

Give me a figure.

Gasol: Thousands. [Laughs] I would have a couple grand.

As you've processed the news about his retirement announcement, what stands out most to you about Kobe, having spent so much time with him?

Gasol: He's just a fierce competitor. His determination to be the best. [He] has been outstanding. Just a winner, a hardworking guy, a guy who had to work extremely hard to become who he was and who he is. It's just been incredible to be with him, learn from him, see how determined he is on and off the floor. He's got a personality with a lot of confidence. But he brings it, he brings it, he doesn't make any excuses. He just goes hard, and he's been a dominating force for a long time and one of the best of all time. Like I said, I had the privilege to play with him and share moments that are unforgettable.

He's talked a lot about his future in retirement. What do you want to do when you retire? Have you thought about it at all?

Gasol: A little bit. I would like to continue to spend time and invest my time in philanthropic efforts and initiatives. Continue to make a difference from my position. Take advantage of what I've built over the years. I'd like to be involved with a sport. Whether it's basketball -- I'm pretty knowledgeable about it. Or just sport globally because I'm a big believer in the values and the power of sport and the impact that it has on society and the world. So I'd like to continue to enforce it and continue to also have a challenge for me that I can make a difference also in that aspect.

You have the player option in your contract coming up this summer. Obviously a lot can happen from now until then, but would you like to stay in Chicago?

Gasol: Yes, of course. But when the time comes we'll evaluate it. I'll see how the season went. Where are the team's interests, where are my interests, what options do I have? But most important is for me and the team to focus on what we have this season to make the best out of it and give ourselves a chance to win the title.

You've got one day to go anywhere in the world and do anything you want -- where are you going and what are you doing?

Gasol: I'm just trying to be with my family. Wherever they are, that's where I would be, with my parents, my brothers, my niece now. I would be with them and I would spend it with them because they're the people that I love the most, wherever they are.

Any city in particular?

Gasol: Probably city-wise, Barcelona is where I was born and where I spend my summers. That's home. My family, my grandparents are there. My family's from there. A lot of my friends are there. The city that saw me be born is the city that probably should see me die.