Lakers retire no. 16 jersey in honour of Paul Gasol

When Pau Gasol joined the L.A. Lakers 15 years ago, the Spanish 7-footer entered a new dimension of basketball earning his right to play with the greatest in the NBA.

Gasol banished his ego, redoubled his commitment to the team, and helped shape the Lakers into a championship-winning team.

In 2008, Gasol joined forces with Kobe Bryant, whom he considered more than a teammate. Thanks to his close friend, Kobe, the Spaniard eased his way into American basketball and culture.

Pau Gasol averaged a total of 17.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 357 games with Kobe Bryant. Playing as a power forward/center, he was able to bring in points thanks to his offensive efforts, while still putting up a good defense.

The Lakers retired Gasol’s No.16 jersey on March 7th, 2023, honoring the legendary big man who spent the best seasons of his 18-year NBA career right next to Bryant in L.A.

Gasol reached three straight NBA finals, winning champions in 2009 and 2010. The duo Kobe-Gasol looked unstoppable.

“I think I’ve done as good as I could to embrace it and savor it, but tonight exceeds any dream or expectation that I’ve ever had, it means so much, and obviously with Kobe up there…It just adds something meaningful and powerful.” Gasol said before the game.

Gasol’s jersey was unveiled during the halftime ceremony that began with Vanessa Bryant introducing a video in which an excited Kobe said he was looking forward to the day when Gasol gave a speech at center court during his jersey retirement. Kobe envisioned the future.

Pau Gasol, overwhelmed by emotion, choked up while watching the video as he stood in the middle of the center court. “It has been my honor to wear this jersey, to play for this franchise, and to help this team…I would have never believed a day like this in a million years,” Gasol told the crowd.

Gasol’s versatile game complemented Bryant’s scoring prowess perfectly, choosing to support a fellow superstar, and the two ballers formed a deep off-court friendship that endured to Bryant’s death in 2020.

The Spaniard also thanked Vanessa Bryant during his emotional speech, paying homage to the Byrants and their impact on basketball. An extraordinary moment for Gasol, which he rightfully deserved.

The Lakers tend only to retire the numbers of players in the Hall of Fame, and Gasol is the first finalist for the honor this year with a strong chance of making the final cut!

Pau Gasol was accompanied by his brothers Marc and Adria, alongside Vanessa Bryant and Jeanie Buss. A historic moment for Pau and Spanish basketball.