Photo: Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times via Getty
Tuesday evening was an emotional one forPau Gasol.
Gasol, 42, teared up as the Los Angeles Lakers unveiled his jersey in the rafters, right next toKobe Bryant’s, to his former teammate and close friend.
The Laker legenddelivered a heartfelt speechduring the ceremony, thanking the Lakers organization and fanbase for the honor. Gasol also thankedVanessa Bryant, telling her he loves her and is “proud to be an uncle” to her “lovely girls.”
Tyler Ross/NBAE via Getty
Gasol then told the crowd at the Crypto.com Arena, “I can’t go on without talking about the person and the face that I don’t see,” referring to his late friend, Kobe. He described Kobe as someone who encouraged him to be a “better player” and “a better man overall.”
As the crowd broke out into a “Kobe” chant, Gasol said, “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. I love you, brother.”
Kobe had previously shared his excitement for Gasol’s retirement ceremony, in a clip the NBA shared on Tuesday night. “I really look forward to the day when he’s there giving his speech at center court, in front of all the fans who have supported him over the years,” said Kobe. “It’s going to be an awesome night.”
The retirement ceremony for Gasol was also the first time Vanessa had returned to the Lakers arena, previously known as Staples Center, since Kobe and Gigi’s memorial service there on Feb. 24, 2020.
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Gasol was drafted into the NBA in 2001 and began playing for the Los Angeles Lakers after he was traded to the team in 2008.
He played for the team until 2014 alongside Kobe, winning championships for the team in 2009 and 2010.
source: people.com
