WATCH: Kobe Bryant’s pre-recorded message to Pau Gasol during Lakers jersey retirement ceremony goes viral
Pau Gasol tears up while watching Kobe Bryant's pre-recorded message for him before the unveiling of his jersey in the rafters
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Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol had his jersey revealed in the rafters during the Los Angeles Lakers game against the Memphis Grizzlies and Kobe Bryant had a special message for Pau which he recorded before his passing. “I really look forward to the day he (Pau Gasol) is there to give his speech“, said Kobe Bryant in his video recorded during the 90th annual Oscar Awards. Kobe and Pau were great friends and won 2 championships together for the Lakers.
“In center court, in front of all the fans. It’s gonna be awesome,” said Kobe. Pau Gasol teared up along with most of the crowd and was very emotional while watching the video as Kobe was more excited than anyone for this moment. Kobe has said on many occasions that he never would have won those championships without Pau on his side. Their duo dominated the league in the late 2000s and will never be forgotten.
Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol shared a special bond even after Kobe’s retirement and Pau of course attended Kobe’s jersey retirement in 2017. In their 5 and a half years together they made 3 straight NBA finals while dominating the Western Conference. Kobe and Pau will always be remembered for their special chemistry on the court as Bryant instilled the Mamba mentality into Pau on their way to success.
Pau Gasol gave an emotional tribute to Kobe Bryant during his speech
The Spanish legend gave a heartfelt tribute to Kobe while calling him his brother toward the end of his speech. “A brother that elevated me, inspired me, challenged me to be a better player,” said Pau on Kobe Bryant. Kobe and Pau took time to gel in LA as they did not win a championship on their first try. After losing the 2008 finals, Kobe and Pau realized they need to lock into a different gear to win a championship.
The crowd erupted with deafening chants of ‘Kobe Kobe’ while Pau mentioned the Mamba. “I love him, I wish he was here with Gigi… I think he will be proud, he was looking forward to this moment,” said Pau Gasol. Kobe always said that if his jersey is ever retired Pau’s will be right next to his on the rafters and that is exactly what happened.
Gasol had a special relationship with Kobe’s family as well as Vanessa Bryant gave him his introduction. Vanessa mentioned how much Kobe admired Gasol as a player and a human being and proceeded to show the video Kobe made for him. The Spaniard was holding back his tears while talking to the crowd and Vanessa about Kobe and Gigi as he was like an Uncle to Kobe’s kids. Kobe and Pau will go down as one of the most iconic duos in Lakers history.
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Anuj Shrikanth Iyer
(290 Articles Published)