By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.
Accept
WhatsNew2DayWhatsNew2Day
  • Home
  • Australia
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Entertainment
  • Gaming
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Science
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • US
  • World
Reading: Gasol, after entering the Lakers’ Olympus: “Not in a million years would I have believed that a day like this would come”
Share
Aa
WhatsNew2DayWhatsNew2Day
Aa
  • Home
  • Contact
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • Australia
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Entertainment
  • Gaming
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Science
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • US
  • World
Follow US
© 2022 WhatsNew2Day News Network. All Rights Reserved.
WhatsNew2Day > News > Gasol, after entering the Lakers’ Olympus: “Not in a million years would I have believed that a day like this would come”
News

Gasol, after entering the Lakers’ Olympus: “Not in a million years would I have believed that a day like this would come”

Last updated: 2023/03/08 at 10:24 AM
Jacky 2 weeks ago
Share
The retired jersey of former Los Angeles Lakers player Pau Gasol, hanging next to that of the late Kobe Bryant, during an NBA game between the Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies, two of his former teams, on March 7, 2023, in Los Angeles.  (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
SHARE

LOS ANGELES — When Pau Gasol arrived with the Los Angeles Lakers a little more than 15 years ago, the 7-foot (2.15-meter) Spanish center put his ego aside, doubled down on his work ethic and immediately converted to that team into a title-winning contender.

Gasol and Kobe Bryant did it all together, and their jerseys now hang next to each other on the Lakers’ court.

The Lakers retired Gasol’s number 16 jersey on Tuesday in a tribute to the center who spent the best seasons of his 18 NBA years with Bryant in Los Angeles. After the arrival of the Spaniard in February 2008, the team achieved three consecutive Finals and won the title in 2009 and 2010.

“I think I’ve done everything I could to really enjoy it and savor it, but tonight really exceeds any dream or expectation I’ve ever had,” Gasol said before the game, a championship ring in each hand. “This means a lot and obviously (being) with Kobe up there is something meaningful and powerful and sad and happy and painful and joyful. Are a lot of things”.

The retired jersey of former Los Angeles Lakers player Pau Gasol, hanging next to that of the late Kobe Bryant, during an NBA game between the Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies, two of his former teams, on March 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (Jae C. Hong/AP)

Gasol’s jersey banner was unveiled during a halftime ceremony that began with Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, introducing a video in which an emotional Kobe said he was looking forward to the day Gasol gave a speech at the center of the track during that act. Gasol was moved when he saw the recording and placed himself in that same place and wiped away his tears before addressing the public.

“I am overwhelmed to see their faces,” he said. “It has been an honor to wear this jersey, play for this franchise and help this team (…) Not in a million years would I have believed that a day like this would come. This teaches you never say never. You just have to push yourself every day to do the best you can.”

Gasol’s versatile game perfectly complemented Bryant’s scoring prowess as a support player for his teammate, and the two forged a deep friendship off the court that lasted until Bryant’s tragic death in 2020.

Former Los Angeles Lakers player Pau Gasol moves during his jersey retirement ceremony at halftime of an NBA game against the Memphis Grizzlies, another of his former teams, on March 7, 2023, in Los Angeles .  (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Former Los Angeles Lakers player Pau Gasol moves during his jersey retirement ceremony at halftime of an NBA game against the Memphis Grizzlies, another of his former teams, on March 7, 2023, in Los Angeles . (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (Jae C. Hong/AP)

The franchise, which holds 17 NBA titles, only retires the numbers of players inducted into the Hall of Fame, and Gasol is a first-time finalist this year and has a strong chance of making the cut. Gasol was selected to three of the six All-Star Games he has played in during his time in Los Angeles, when he was averaging 17.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.

“The emotion, the illusion, the honor received, is so great that it has been difficult to assimilate,” said Gasol. “I have to keep recording myself that this is a celebration. It’s fantastic. Is beautiful. It’s great to be able to live this in your life.”

Gasol chose Tuesday night for the ceremony for a very good reason: He played his first seven NBA seasons with the Grizzlies, his first team after moving to the United States in 2001.

Memphis retired Gasol to the Lakers in February 2008 in a deal that transformed both franchises: While Gasol and Bryant immediately formed a dominant partnership, the Grizzlies received a package that spawned Gasol’s little brother, Marc, who spent 11 excellent seasons there.

Source link

You Might Also Like

‘Abbott Elementary’ star Sheryl Lee Ralph reveals ‘famous TV judge’ sexually assaulted her

Muslims celebrate break in Ramadan fasting at Lakemba food markets

Where there’s smoke, there’s thiocyanate: Researchers find tobacco users in Canada exposed to higher levels of cyanide

Local officials react to industry, health care funding in Ontario budget

Deputy Chief Secretary: THA to make space for the disabled

TAGGED: believed, day, entering, Gasol, Lakers, Million, Olympus, years
Jacky March 8, 2023
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print
Share
Previous Article Hyderabad vs.  ATK Mohun Bagan - Football Match Preview - March 9, 2023 - ESPN Hyderabad vs. ATK Mohun Bagan – Football Match Preview – March 9, 2023 – ESPN
Next Article Antarctic sea ice extent reaches all-time low: EU monitor Antarctic sea ice extent reaches all-time low: EU monitor

Latest

US Senators ask Biden to help ICC with Putin war crimes probe
World
pacers vs.  Celtics - NBA Game Summary - March 25, 2023 |  ESPN
pacers vs. Celtics – NBA Game Summary – March 25, 2023 | ESPN
Sports
Therapy: Tamar Braxton says therapy helped her find her happily ever after on the reality show Queen's court.  In an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, the singer said:
Tamar Braxton says therapy helped her join Queen’s Court to find her next love
Entertainment
Sheryl Lee Ralph arrives at the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California.
‘Abbott Elementary’ star Sheryl Lee Ralph reveals ‘famous TV judge’ sexually assaulted her
News
Crowds filled Haldon Street in Lakemba on Friday night, where families enjoyed hot food on offer from stalls.
Muslims celebrate break in Ramadan fasting at Lakemba food markets
News
Where there’s smoke, there’s thiocyanate: Researchers find tobacco users in Canada exposed to higher levels of cyanide
Where there’s smoke, there’s thiocyanate: Researchers find tobacco users in Canada exposed to higher levels of cyanide
News

nba 2k23 mt

© WhatsNew2Day News Network. All Rights Reserved. Email: contact@whatsnew2day.com

  • Home
  • Contact
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy

Removed from reading list

Undo
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?