Former Los Angeles Lakers star Pau Gasol was immortalized at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday when the franchise retired his No. 16 jersey at halftime of its game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Gasol gave the Lakers six and a half years of stellar play. Upon his arrival in February 2008, they instantly reached the NBA Finals three straight times while capturing back-to-back championships.
His addition instantly transformed them from a struggling, mediocre team to one that fans will never forget.
It was an emotional ceremony for the Spaniard, who was joined by his wife, children and younger brother Marc, as well as Vanessa Bryant, the widow of Gasol’s beloved teammate Kobe Bryant.
Pau Gasol's full jersey retirement ceremony speech 💜💛#GraciasPau pic.twitter.com/RDIN0M3rzw
— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2023
The big man may have been underappreciated during his Lakers tenure, but fans took to Twitter to shower him with love after his jersey was retired.