The Lakers retire Pau Gasol’s jersey, the Spaniard breaks down and talks about Kobe

Pau Gasol officially went down in Lakers history and has a place among the team’s legends. In a big – emotional – ceremony, the Lakers retired the Spanish superstar’s jersey halfway through the game against the Grizzlies and placed it where it belongs: alongside Kobe Bryant.

The Spanish star first watched the Lakers VIDEO which started with Vanessa Bryant speaking and thanking him before then making an old Kobe statement about Gasol that made everyone nervous. By his side, the leading Spaniard had his family, including his two-year-old daughter, Elizabeth Gianna, whom he named after Kobe’s daughter.

A tearful Pau Gasol took the microphone and said in a broken voice: “I can’t help but talk about the face I don’t see. The brother who pushed me to be a better player and person. I miss Kobe as much as everyone else and I can’t help but be there for his family. I love him and wish he were here. I think he would be proud and I know he was looking forward to being here. I love you my brother.

The Lakers are an incredible organization. They push you to bring out the best in you, he’s got the mamba mentality. Kobe greeted me and said, “Let’s win a ring.” And I said I’m in.”

Gasol becomes the 12th player in team history to have his jersey retired by the Lakers. The first 11 players to have their shirts retired were: Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Gayle Goodrich, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, James Worthy, Jerry West, Jamal Wilkes, George Macon.

Gasol wore the Lakers’ jersey from mid-season 2007-08 (when he was acquired in a trade from the Grizzlies) through 2014, winning two championships with the LA team (2009 and 2010).

Watch the VIDEO of Gasol’s retirement ceremony: