The Staples Middle was crammed with a way of nostalgia because the Los Angeles Lakers retired Pau Gasol’s No. 16 jersey throughout their recreation in opposition to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. Gasol, who’s a finalist for the Corridor of Fame induction this 12 months, was the topic of a halftime ceremony the place Lakers dignitaries participated.
It was an emotional occasion for the previous heart, who spent 6 1/2 seasons with each the Grizzlies and the Lakers. Gasol gained NBA championships alongside the late Kobe Bryant in 2009 and 2010, with the Lakers retiring each of their jerseys in addition to Gasol’s through the ceremony.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, made her first look on the Staples Middle since her husband’s memorial in February 2020. Gasol expressed his love for his former teammate and shut pal, saying, “I miss him a lot, like many people do. I really like him, I want he was right here with (his daughter Gianna, who additionally died in the identical helicopter crash), I actually do. However I feel he’d be proud.”
Gasol began his NBA profession with the Memphis Grizzlies, the place he gained Rookie of the Yr in 2001-02. He then went on to play for the San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, and Milwaukee Bucks, ending his profession with the latter. All through his profession, Gasol was a six-time All-Star and averaged 17 factors, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 1,226 video games.
The retirement of Gasol’s No. 16 jersey is a well-deserved honor for the previous heart and serves as a reminder of his contributions to the Lakers group and the NBA as a complete.