On the 8th, during the game between the Lakers and the Grizzlies at home, the Lakers officially retired Gasol’s No. 16 jersey. The Grizzlies traded Pau Gasol to the Lakers 15 years ago, and then Pau Gasol became one of the legendary big men of this old and powerful team with a long history. He changed the team immediately after he came to the team and led the team to success. This kind and considerate big man became a passionate and tough competitor on the biggest stage of this sport. The friendship between Gasol and the late Kobe Bryant was relished by the latecomers, and the story between them was a brilliant part of the Lakers’ brilliant history.
When the retirement ceremony of Gasol’s jersey was going on, Gasol’s eyes were fixed on the ceiling. His jersey appeared next to Kobe’s No. 8 and No. 24, which were his teammates, his brothers, his good friend. At this time, Gasol couldn’t help tears in his eyes. In the speech session of the ceremony, Gasol said emotionally: “A Spanish child wanted to be a basketball star when he was a child. I want to say, never set a ceiling for himself, do your best every day, to do the best, this is the spirit of Mamba.”
The peak of Gasol’s career was the stage when he and Kobe jointly shaped the glory of the Lakers. They entered the finals three times in a row and won two championships. During this period, the two established friendship beyond the basketball match. After Kobe’s unfortunate death, Gasol still maintained a close relationship with Kobe’s family. Let his friendship with Kobe continue in another way, which is moving. (Article/Our reporter Song Xiang)
(Source: Beijing Youth Daily, March 09, 2023, 11th edition)
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