On March 8, Beijing time, the Lakers officially retired Paul Gasol's No. 16 jersey, and his jersey was next to Kobe's No. 24 jersey, which was tearful in the same frame; Gasol burst into tears, and the fans chanted Kobe.
The Lakers officially retired the Gasol jersey
Gasol held his daughter and sat on the sidelines to watch the game, the Lakers played a tribute video for him at home, the fans stood up and cheered, Gasol waved to the fans, and his sister-in-law was already full of tears and was about to cry.
At halftime between the Lakers and the Grizzlies, the Lakers officially held a jersey retirement ceremony for Gasol, his No. 16 jersey was next to Kobe's No. 24 jersey, and next to Kobe's No. 8 jersey was O'Neal's No. 34 jersey, and it was tearful to see such a legendary picture in the same frame.
Gasol cried emotionally during his speech, hoping that Kobe and Gigi could be here today, and the fans chanted Kobe; Gasol Jr., Odom, Artest, Abdul-Jabbar and others came to the scene, Vanessa recorded a video congratulations on sending a flying kiss, it is worth mentioning that James missed the game due to injury.
Gasol retired jersey Frankly: I miss Kobe Bryant very much
The Lakers covered the home audience with Gasol's replica No. 16 jersey, and every fan present was given a commemorative jersey, and the scene jersey gathered into a sea of gold, which was too shocking.
Gasol came to the crypto arena in formal clothes, wearing his two championship rings, and in an interview, Gasol said: Kobe Bryant once said that he would fight for me, and I really miss Kobe now, but I can't do anything but send love to his family. That's how I miss Kobe.
Gasol also said: "It was a very, very special day. Looking back on my career, I feel very proud and honored. It was a journey of gratitude and sadness, and the departure of my good brother Kobe Bryant made me feel lost.
It is worth mentioning that Kobe Bryant's remarks were dug up 5 years ago, and in 2018, Lakers legend Kobe Bryant said: When Pau Gasol retires, his number will hang on the rafters next to my number, and I really look forward to the day when he speaks in the middle of the court to all the fans who have supported him for many years. It's going to be an amazing night.
Celtics star Tatum retweeted Kobe's past remarks with tearful expressions.
Gasol jersey retired in record terms
Gasol played in 429 regular season games in more than 6 years of his Lakers, accumulated 7610 points, 4250 rebounds, 1308 assists and 607 blocks, averaged 17.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.4 blocks per game, was selected as an All-Star three times, and won the championship twice with Kobe.
Gasol became the 11th player in Lakers history to retire his jersey, following Elgin Baylor (No. 22), Jerry West (No. 44), Chamberlain (No. 13), Gal Goodrich (No. 25), Abdul-Jabbar (No. 33), Magic Johnson (No. 32), James Worthy (No. 42), Jamal Wilkes (No. 52), O'Neal (No. 34) and Kobe Bryant (No. 8 and No. 24).
Congratulations to Gasol on his retirement of the shirt
The Lakers officially congratulated Gasol many times, and Barcelona basketball also congratulated Gasol.
Lone Rangers coach Kidd said: "When it comes to Gasol's career, he is a champion. In international competitions, he represented Spain and was one step away from gold. But, looking at his accomplishments in international basketball, he deserves the Lakers to retire his jersey. I've always said that Gasol was inducted into the Hall of Fame on his first run and that he was another international player who helped basketball grow.
Gasol inducted into the Hall of Fame next?
Previously, Naismith officials have announced that Gasol was selected as a finalist for this year's Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame along with Wade, Tony Parker and Nowitzki.
Paul Gasol has a career of 19 years, has played for the Grizzlies, Lakers, Bulls, Spurs, Bucks and other teams, playing a total of 1226 regular season games, averaging 33.4 minutes per game, can get 17 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.6 blocks; in terms of honor, Gasol has been selected as an All-Star 6 times, the All-NBA team 4 times, won the championship twice, and the No. 16 jersey has been retired.
Lakers owner Jenny Buss previously said that Gasol is unique among the excellent players in the history of the Lakers. We've never had a player with an international background like him, and he made an impact on the Lakers right on, helped the Lakers reach the NBA Finals three times, and won championships twice, and we knew Gasol would be in the Hall of Fame.