By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The jersey retirement ceremony fittingly placed in a game pitting the Los Angeles Lakers against the Memphis Grizzlies rewarded Pau Gasol for the history-making run as a member of the Lakers from 2008 to 2014.
The Lakers retired the No. 16 jersey at halftime, honoring the Spanish big who made a huge contribution to the storied franchise capturing two championships in 2009 and 2010. Involving the Grizzlies corresponded with him launching his long NBA career in Memphis in 2001. After seven seasons, he was traded to the Lakers with his younger brother Marc Gasol included in the compensation.
“I think I’ve done as good as I could to really embrace it and savor it, but tonight really exceeds any dream or expectation that I’ve had,” mentioned Pau in the press conference preceding Tuesday’s NBA Regular Season contest.
Pay’s jersey among the other Lakers legends https://t.co/ZhoIUqhEc7
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“It means so much, and obviously with Kobe up there, it just adds something meaningful and powerful and sad and happy and painful and joyful,” he added referring to competing alongside the late Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, “It’s a lot of things.”
Bryant’s widow, Vanessa participating in the halftime ceremony mentioned Kobe predicting his teammate’s jersey being retired in an emotional moment for Gasol at crypto.com Arena.
Pau and Kobe forever pic.twitter.com/NkCGPfHgiS
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“I’m just overwhelmed to see the faces here, all of you,” he said, “It’s been my honor to wear this jersey, to play for this franchise and to help this team.”
The No. 16 jersey was the 13th retired by the Lakers but the 12th player honored as Bryant’s No. 8 and No. 24 are both retired.
Photo Credit: Getty Images