Pau Gasol He is officially a legend Los Angeles Lakers. the one of sant boi lived a historic night in the Staples Center, where the franchise recognized him for the important work carried out during the six and a half years in which he was in it with the withdrawal of the number 16 that he wore and the ascent of his shirt to the roof of the pavilion. Something that, to put it in dimension, only 12 players have achieved -with him- throughout the 76-year history of the team. Pure history of Spanish sports and once again, with the signature of the former center of the national team.
Everything, in the match that measured the other team in which he played the longest and with which he became the best player in his history: the Memphis Grizzlies. The Spanish he couldn’t hide his excitement in the act that took place at the break of the duel that faced the two teams that allowed him to reach the top of world basketball. In his speech, gasoline he wanted to remember especially his longed-for Kobe Bryant.
Legend. pic.twitter.com/8pE8gun3aT
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 8, 2023
Before, the lakers they lined the stands with the shirts of the former Spanish player, who was accompanied by relatives, including his brother Mark who is still active playing in Gironaand friends and former teammates such as Juan Carlos Navarro, Raúl López, Felipe Reyes or José Manuel Calderón. Everyone wanted to wrap the protagonist in one of the most special days of his life.
😬 The big moment is coming and the stage is already set 💜💛#ThanksPau | #gasol16pic.twitter.com/qQuJqU08FN
— Sportingnewses Spain 🇪🇸 (@sportingnewses) March 8, 2023
gasoline finally has its deserved recognition in one of the most successful franchises in basketball history. The lakers are next to the Celtics the two teams that have won the most titles in the NBA, adding 17 rings. Of them, two carried the signature of the Spanish. Now, I pass him by staples is now framed at the top of the pavilion, accompanied by other legends such as his friend Kobe, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Shaquille O’Neal.
Full speech by Pau Gasol
“What an incredible feeling and what an incredible honor. I want to start by saying thanks to Vanessa (Bryant), thanks for the video and the introduction. You’re here, you don’t know how much this means to me. I love you sister. I am proud to be your brother and an uncle to your beloved daughters.
I am overwhelmed to see all the faces, to see all of you, all those who are watching it at home. I want to thank you, it has been an honor to wear this jersey, to play for this franchise, for this team, for this city.
I can’t go on without talking about a person who is not here. A brother who raised me up, who pushed me to be a better player, a better person. I miss him so much, like all of you. I loved him, I wish he was here; he would be proud because he sought this moment. I love you brother.
As a child, in Spain I had the dream of playing in the NBA; I never in a million years thought this moment would be possible, such an honor, to be with such important individuals in such an incredible franchise. This tells you that there are no limits to what you can do, what you can achieve, you have to try to be the best you can be. That was the Mamba Mentality.
Seems like yesterday I was here, in a Game 7 win over the Celtics. What a night, what a day to remember, I’ll never forget it.”
