Receiving a shirt of gratitude from the Los Angeles Lakers, Pau Gasol choked up talking about Kobe Bryant

Pau Gasol’s thoughts on the day he received special gratitude from the Los Angeles Lakers turned entirely to his late teammate and brother – Kobe Bryant.
On the evening of March 7, the Los Angeles Lakers had a special act of gratitude for legendary Pau Gasol.

The number 16 shirt of the former Spanish superstar was permanently retired by the team that won the NBA championship 17 times, showing respect and gratitude for Pau’s contributions during his time with the Lakers.

Besides his own special feelings, Pau Gasol turned his attention to a late teammate, friend and brother – Kobe Bryant.

Pau Gasol could not hold back his emotions when mentioning Kobe Bryant, his teammate for more than 6 years with the Los Angeles Lakers.

“I know this is a special occasion, however I don’t want people to pay too much attention to myself because without another special person, I wouldn’t be where I am today. That is Kobe Bryant,” Pau Gasol replied to ESPN.

“It can be said that Kobe and I were inseparable, throughout our many years of playing and when we both retired. It was also his great credit to have my shirt number hung up. I think without Kobe, there wouldn’t be a Pau Gasol like today.

At that time, Kobe motivated me and the whole team. The way he leads everyone, directly instructs and makes the whole team play better and with more fire. His influence is too great.”

Pau Gasol’s number 16 shirt is placed next to Kobe Bryant’s number 24 shirt

“I’m very sad that he’s not here with us because I know for sure that if nothing unlucky happens, Kobe will definitely be here,” the Los Angeles Lakers legend added about Kobe Bryant.

Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol were teammates for 6 years, going to 3 consecutive NBA Finals series together. Two of them brought the 15th and 16th Larry O’Brien Gold Cups to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Pau’s number 16 shirt was hung from the ceiling of Crypto.com Arena this morning. Coincidentally, it is located right next to Kobe’s numbers 8 and 24.

“There are a lot of legends up there so the feeling of hanging up the shirt is extremely special. But when I saw my shirt number next to Kobe’s, everything became more emotional,” Pau Gasol concluded.

Kobe Bryant unfortunately passed away with his daughter in a helicopter crash in January 2020. At that time, father and daughter 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 continuously stood by the Bryant family, providing emotional support for Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, and three children including Natalia, Bianca and Capri.