Kobe Bryant’s legacy lives on as he delivered a heartwarming pre-recorded message through the Los Angeles Lakers’ jersey retirement ceremony for his pricey good friend and former teammate Pau Gasol. Within the message, Bryant predicted that Gasol’s jersey quantity can be retired subsequent to his quantity and expressed how he couldn’t have received all these championships with out him.
“I don’t win these championships with out Pau. We all know that, all people is aware of that,” Bryant mentioned within the emotional message.
Gasol and the Lakers had been visibly touched by the message, particularly since Bryant has been a major subject of debate main as much as the occasion. The Spanish worldwide expressed a “sense of loss” and disappointment main as much as the ceremony. “I miss him so much. There’s nothing I can do about it, however to like his household. That’s how I take care of it,” Gasol mentioned.
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Nevertheless, regardless of the bittersweet second of seeing his quantity retired beside Kobe’s no. 8 and 24, Gasol is proud and honored to obtain this recognition for his contributions to the group and the game of basketball.
“Seeing that jersey going up there, it’s one thing I at all times dreamed of, nevertheless it’s a troublesome one too,” Gasol shared. “However I do know he’s going to be with us, he’s going to be watching over us, and he’s going to be proud.”
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Bryant’s last message to Gasol served as a reminder of their profitable partnership and deep friendship, leaving an enduring influence on the Lakers neighborhood and past.