A few hours before the Lakers ceremony in his honor, Pau Gasol warned that it was difficult for him to control his emotions.. “I hope I have some control to enjoy it first and then express [con el micrófono] what I want to express,” he told reporters.
Gasol was right. The 42-year-old Spanish giant spent time wiping away tears on one of the most special nights for him and his family. The first time it happened was after a video was shown in Los Angeles summarizing his accomplishments. the first applause from the fans, almost all wearing the commemorative Gasol jerseys that were placed on each seat. from Crypto Arena.
He rose from his seat at courtyard level to greet the audience, holding his infant daughter Elizabeth in his arms.
On Tuesday night, Pau Gasol’s No. 16 was officially retired by the Lakers, the franchise in which he helped win two NBA championships. seven seasons in this form. The halftime ceremony between Los Angeles and Memphis was great.
The only thing missing from a flawless and emotional night at the home of the Lakers was Gasol’s teammate who led him to sporting greatness: Kobe Bryant.
Kobe Bryant in the minds of Pau Gasol and the public
“I want to talk about a person and a face that I can’t see. The brother who supported me inspired and challenged me to become a better player and as a man in general,” said Gasol. during his halftime speech, when the crowd took up the chorus of “Kobe, Kobe!”
“I miss him so much,” Gasol added. “I love him and I would love to be here with Gigi… I love you brother.”
Vanessa Bryant was a few meters away from her dear friend Poe. A few minutes before, through the screens, she herself presented another special video in which Kobe predicted that Gasol’s T-shirt would one day hang next to his.
Gasol’s jersey was featured next to number 24 Kobe, who also had his jersey removed from number 8. The Catalan, backed by his parents, wife and brothers, broke down again.
The absence of Kobe, who died more than three years ago, was made up for by the strength of his presence in the minds and hearts of the public.
Gasol, with his usual nobility, thanked everyone, including the media, and ended his speech with a powerful personal commitment: “I will continue to think about how to influence others, change the world for the better, inspire, help others, make this world a healthier place in many ways. I love them all. Thank you”.
The night was round for the franchise’s 17 NBA titles. The Lakers, who urgently needed a win to continue fighting for a playoff spot, beat the Grizzlies 112-103, led by Anthony Davis, who had 30 points and 22 rebounds. In the absence of an injured LeBron James, Davis is showing his best basketball since arriving in Los Angeles.
Source: La Opinion
Ben Stock is an accomplished sports journalist. He currently works at 24 news breaker, where he has a reputation for providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives on the latest sports news. He has a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the sports industry. With a passion for storytelling, Ben’s writing takes readers closer to the action and the people behind it.