Last night was a big one for the Laker franchise and one of its former stars, Pau Gasol.
Gasol’s No. 16 was raised to the rafters at Crypto.com Arena at halftime of Los Angeles’ 112-103 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. The heartfelt ceremony included an introduction by Kobe Bryant’s widow Vanessa and a video recording of Bryant in 2018 saying that Gasol’s number would one day hang next to his.
“I can’t go on without talking about the person and the face that I don’t see,” Gasol said of Bryant in his speech to the crowd, which can be seen below. “The brother that elevated me, challenged me, inspired me to be a better player. Just to be a better man overall.
“I miss him. I miss him so much like many of us do. I love him. I wish he was here with Gigi. I really do. But I think he’ll be proud. And he was looking forward to this moment. So, I love you, brother.”
Gasol’s emotional words elicited strong reaction from those who saw them.
“Who’s cuttin’ onions?” asked Sports Radio 610 producer Tyler Milner.
“One of my favorite Lakers, such a great speech,” said Matt Burns of ESPN and SEC Network.
“Great speech on many levels. Hits the right notes everywhere. Pau even thanked the media, which is no surprise to those of us fortunate to cover him, and properly acknowledged our role,” said NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson.
“All class,” added CNN Business’ Nathaniel Meyersohn.
“Pau immortalized in LA…joining Kobe and all the Laker greats. Amazing tribute,” added broadcaster Rod Black.
Gasol is the 12th Laker to have his jersey retired.
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