Being hung up by the Los Angeles Lakers in gratitude, Pau Gasol choked on Kobe Bryant
This morning (March 8) in Vietnam time, the Los Angeles Lakers had a special tribute to the legendary Pau Gasol.
The number 16 shirt of the former Spanish superstar has been permanently hung by the 17-time NBA champion team, showing respect and gratitude for Pau's contributions during his time with the Lakers.
Besides his own special feelings, Pau Gasol drew attention to a late teammate, friend and brother - Kobe Bryant.
“I know this is a special occasion, but I don't want people to focus too much on myself because without another special character, I wouldn't be where I am today. That's Kobe Bryant," Pau Gasol told ESPN.
“It can be said that Kobe and I are inseparable, throughout the years of playing and when both have retired. My shirt number being hung up is also his great contribution. I think that without Kobe, there would not be a Pau Gasol like today.
At that time, Kobe pushed me and the team. The way he led people, directly marketed and made the team play better, more passionate. His influence is too great."
"I'm sad that he's not here with us because I know for sure that if nothing bad happened, Kobe would definitely be here," the Los Angeles Lakers legend added of Kobe Bryant.
Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol have been teammates for 6 years, together to 3 consecutive NBA Finals series. Two of those brought home the 15th and 16th Larry O'Brien gold cups for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Pau's number 16 shirt was hung from the ceiling of the Crypto.com Arena this morning. Coincidentally it is located right next to Kobe's 8 and 24.
“There are a lot of legends up there, so the feeling of hanging a shirt is very special. But when I saw my shirt number next to Kobe, everything became more emotional," Pau Gasol concluded.
Kobe Bryant unfortunately died with his daughter in a helicopter crash in January 2020. The father and son were on their way from their home to the Mamba Sports Academy training facility.
After Kobe and Gigi passed away, Pau Gasol and his family were constantly beside the Bryant family, providing emotional support for Kobe's wife Vanessa Bryant and 3 children including Natalia, Bianca and Capri.
