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Kobe Bryant remebered as Lakers reture Pau Gasol's jersey.
The Los Angeles Lakers recorded a 112-103 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies in an NBA fixture played in the early hours of Wednesday, March 8, 2023.
The Lakers were missing star player LeBron James due to injury while the Grizzlies were without star player Ja Morant following his suspension due to gun-related issues.
Anthony Davis in 36 minutes of action put up 30 points, 22 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks to lead the Lakers to victory.
The victory moves the Lakers to the nine spots in the Western Conference standings.
Lakers retire Paul Gasol's jersey
The Los Angeles Lakers retired the jersey of former player Pau Gasol at the game.
Gasol was at the retirement ceremony with his family and friends and had a special visit from Jimmy Butler his former teammate with the Chicago Bulls.
Gasol was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers from the Memphis Grizzlies back in 2008 for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, the rights to Marc Gasol along with a 2010 second-round draft pick.
At the retirement ceremony, Gasol was introduced by Vanessa Bryant wife of his former teammate Kobe.
Speaking at the halftime ceremony, Gasol said, “I think I’ve done as good as I could to really embrace it and savor it, but tonight really exceeds any dream or expectation that I’ve had.
“It means so much, and obviously with Kobe up there, it just adds something meaningful and powerful and sad and happy and painful and joyful. It’s a lot of things.”
“I’m just overwhelmed to see the faces here, all of you. It’s been my honor to wear this jersey, to play for this franchise and to help this team.
“I would have never in a million years believed a day like this could come. It just tells you to never say never. Just push yourself every day to be the best that you can be.”
Speaking about Bryant, Gasol became emotional as the crowd chanted for the former Laker great.
He said, “Love you, sister. I’m proud to be your brother and proud to be an uncle to your girls.”
"I can't go on without talking about the person and the face that 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 spent six years with the Lakers wearing the number 16 jersey.
He helped the Lakers advance to three NBA finals and won two NBA Championships.
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