Vanessa Bryant was one of the many in attendance as NBA player Pau Gasol’s Lakers jersey was retired on Tuesday. Gasol is a former player for the Los Angeles team, who won two NBA championships in 2009 and 2010. Additionally, Gasol played alongside the late Kobe Bryant and his retired jersey will now hang alongside Bryant’s.

Pau Gasol Get Emotional As Lakers Retire His #16 Jersey

Pau Gasol’s #16 jersey was retired as Los Angeles Lakers owners and players gathered to pay homage to his legacy on the team before the Lakers’ 112-103 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night.

Gasol thanked the arena for the acknowledgment of his impact on the team. However, he explained that he wouldn’t be able to continue without acknowledging his late friend Kobe Bryant.

Additionally, the 7-foot former Laker shared how he would have liked to share this moment with Bryant and his late daughter Gigi.

But I can’t go on without talking about the person and the face I don’t see — the brother that elevated me, inspired me, challenged me to be a better player. Just to be a better man overall.

Gasol became emotional as the attendees began to chant Kobe’s name.

I miss him so much like many of us do. I love him. I wish he was here with Gigi. I really do… but I think he’ll be proud. And he was looking forward to this moment, so I love you brother.

Vanessa Bryant Shared A Sweet Message To Pau Gasol Ahead Of Tuesday’s Ceremony

Prior to Tuesday’s ceremony, Vanessa Bryant shared a sweet message to Gasol via the official Los Angeles Lakers Twitter page. The post was captioned, “Together in the rafters.”

It is my honor to introduce my dear friend Paul tonight. Pau was special to Kobe, as a teammate, as a man, and as a friend. Pablo, Kobe predicted that you and he would be together in the rafters. Here’s a little video I want you to watch…

Following Vanessa Bryant’s introduction, was an old clip of Bryant predicting the jersey retirement of Gasol.

There’s no debating how when he retires, he will have his number in the rafters next to mine. The reality is, I don’t win those championships without Pau… And I really look forward to the day when he’s there giving his speech at center court…

 

Vanessa Bryant Recently Honored Gasol At The 2023 NBA All-Star Game

In addition to Gasol’s jersey retirement on Tuesday, the 42-year-old was also honored at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 19. During the event, the WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and Vanessa Bryant presented Gasol with the 2023 Kobe & Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award.

Additionally, Gasol took to his official social media accounts to share his reaction to the honor.