Retired NBA superstar Pau Gasol played for multiple teams during his time in the league but he will always be remembered as one of the best Los Angeles Lakers stars in recent memory.
During his time with LA, Gasol earned two championship rings and was named an NBA All-Star three times.
On Tuesday night, the Lakers will host the Memphis Grizzlies – the team that traded him to the Lakers – and Gasol will have his number 16 jersey retired and raised to the rafters of Crypto.com Arena.
Tonight @paugasol's No. 16 jersey will be lifted to the rafters in L.A.💜💛 pic.twitter.com/hZ3bXBLz6w
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 7, 2023
Gasol averaged 17.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists during his time with the Lakers.
He was known for his ability to get deep into the paint, chip at the glass, and defend like the best big men in the league.
He was also known for his wonderful on-and-off-court relationship with Kobe Bryant.
Over the years, the two men became incredibly close and sparked a very deep and meaningful connection.
The two stars worked wonderfully together and combined for three straight Finals appearances as well as two titles.
Now, Gasol’s number 16 jersey will sit alongside Bryant’s 8 and 24.
After starting with the Grizzlies and then playing for the Lakers, Gasol spent a few more years in the league.
His time with the Chicago Bulls was fairly successful and led to his last two All-Star selections.
He eventually ended his career with brief stints with the San Antonio Spurs and Milwaukee Bucks.
Since then he has kept a relatively low profile but he will be back before a cheering crowd on Tuesday night as he takes his place in Lakers history.
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