The Staples Center was once stuffed with a way of nostalgia because the Los Angeles Lakers retired Pau Gasol’s No. 16 jersey all the way through their sport in opposition to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. Gasol, who’s a finalist for this yr’s Hall of Fame induction, was once the topic of a halftime rite the place Lakers dignitaries participated.
It was once an emotional tournament for the previous heart, who spent 6 1/2 seasons with each the Grizzlies and the Lakers. Gasol received NBA championships along the past due Kobe Bryant in 2009 and 2010, with the Lakers retiring either one of their jerseys in addition to Gasol’s all the way through the rite.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, made her first look on the Staples Center since her husband’s memorial in February 2020. Gasol expressed his love for his former teammate and shut buddy, pronouncing, “I miss him so much, like many of us do. I love him, I wish he was here with (his daughter Gianna, who also died in the same helicopter crash), I really do. But I think he’d be proud.”
Gasol began his NBA occupation with the Memphis Grizzlies, the place he received Rookie of the Year in 2001–02. He then went directly to play for the San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, and Milwaukee Bucks, completing his occupation with the latter. Throughout his occupation, Gasol was once a six-time All-Star and averaged 17 issues, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 1,226 video games.
The retirement of Gasol’s No. The 16 jersey is a richly deserved honor for the previous heart and serves as a reminder of his contributions to the Lakers group and the NBA as a complete.