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Lakers Pau Gasol hugs Kobe Bryant late in the 4th quarter as Nuggets Carmelo Anthony looks on in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center Tuesday. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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Lakers Pau Gasol hugs Kobe Bryant late in the 4th quarter as Nuggets Carmelo Anthony looks on in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center Tuesday. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers’ historic duo, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, is one of the most talked-about duos in NBA history. The big news is out, Gasol is announcing his retirement from professional basketball today. It is a day to reminisce and look back at his contribution to the Lakers’ legacy.
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Gasol won his two NBA championships in 2009 and 2010 while he played for the Lakers. Their presiding superstar Bryant found a friend and understanding teammate in Gasol through those years in the league.
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LOSANGELES, CA- Pau Gasol tries to get to the net during first half action between the L.A Lakers and Utah Jazz, Jan. 03, 2013 at Staples Center. (Photo by Barbara Davidson/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant hoped that Pau Gasol’s jersey gets retired next to his
The 6-time All-star, Pau, played for the Lakers for six seasons. Well, now that he’s saying goodbye to the sport, Kobe Bryant‘s words weigh heavier now. He said – “I don’t win those championships without Pau. When he retires, he will have his number in the rafters next to mine.”
Pau Gasol expected to officially announce his retirement today. 💜💛
“I don’t win those championships without Pau. When he retires, he will have his number in the rafters next to mine” -Kobe
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) September 30, 2021
Kobe’s No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys have been retired in the STAPLES Center rafter. And now Pau’s shirt must be on the way next to his former teammate if the Lakers decide to retire his No. 16 jersey.
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Pau’s illustrious NBA career comes to an end
Pau made it to four All-NBA Teams in his NBA career. He got selected by the Atlanta Hawks as the third overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft. But, his rights eventually got traded to Memphis Grizzlies. Followed by earning the NBA Rookie of the Year and playing for the Grizzlies, Gasol contributed to the Lakers, Bulls, Spurs, and Bucks.
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Lakers Pau Gasol is fouled by Thunders Russell Westbrook in Game 5 of the Western Conference Playoffs Monday. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The key highlight of Pau’s career was his time with the Lakers alongside Kobe Bryant. He averaged 17.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 52.2 percent from the field.
Will Lakers fans see Gasol’s jersey with Bryant’s in the rafters? Let us know in the comments.
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