The Los Angeles Lakers paid tribute to one of their greatest legends before their game against the Memphis Grizzlies. On Wednesday, the Los Angeles franchise retired Pau Gasol's number 16 jersey, which will remain in the Crypto.com Arena (historically known as Staples Center) alongside those of other team legends such as Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and Magic Johnson.
Leyenda. pic.twitter.com/8pE8gun3aT
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 8, 2023
With tears in his eyes, the Spanish power forward watched as his former team unveiled the jersey he wore for more than 500 games in six and a half seasons. Throughout his career with the franchise, he won two NBA titles. He and Kobe Bryant made up one of the best tandems in the history of basketball. Gasol was a close friend of The Black Mamba until his death.
#GraciasPau pic.twitter.com/GzMQHfzHz9
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 8, 2023
Two years ago, Gasol retired from professional basketball at the age of 41 with F.C. Barcelona (Spain), the team where he began his professional career until he left for the NBA in 2001. The most successful Spanish basketball player in history was not alone on one of the most important days of his life. His wife, daughter, brother Marc Gasol and the rest of his family were with him to witness the tribute.
Kobe Bryant, forever in our hearts
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe Bryant's wife, sent a congratulatory message to Gasol that was broadcast throughout the stadium:
Together in the rafters 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/24JHyDeBeD
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 8, 2023
Afterward, an emotional Pau dedicated a few words to his late friend and Vanessa:
Pau Gasol's full jersey retirement ceremony speech 💜💛#GraciasPau pic.twitter.com/RDIN0M3rzw
— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2023
"I'm a 'Laker' forever"
After the ceremony, Gasol described how he felt after being honored by the Lakers:
It is an honor to have been part of this organization, to have achieved what we have achieved, and to be honored in this way. I think it's much more than I deserve. I am a Laker forever.
He added:
This is more than I could ever imagine. It is a very special day. I am normally able to keep it together and I'm pretty good at controlling my emotions but in the end, I may break down and I may be thrown into an abyss because of so many emotions.
