NBA: Lakers withdraw Pau Gasol's mythical number '16' | Video

The former Spanish player Pau Gasolalready legend of the lakers with his '16' retired in the Los Angeles fiefdom, assured in his thank you speech at the Crypto.com Arena what is a “incredible honour” to see his number at the top of the pavilion of the historic franchise and that it is something that he would never have dreamed of.

The greatest Spanish legend to step on the staves of the nba was introduced to fans by Vanessa Bryantwidow of the star ex-player of the lakers and inseparable companion of Gasol, Kobe Bryant, whom he remembered on multiple occasions during the ceremony.

In 2018, when talking about Gasol, kobe stated in an interview:When Pau retires, he will have his number next to meeither […] I really look forward to that day when he gives his speech to the center of the floor in front of all the fans who have supported him throughout the years. It will be a fantastic night“.

Bryant passed away in a plane crash with his daughter Gianna January 26, 2020.

Moved, with tears in his eyes, the international power forward reminded Kobe.

I can't go on without talking about a person whose face I don't see here. A brother who elevated me, who inspired me, challenged me to be a better player and person. I miss him a lot, like many of you. I loved him, I wish he was here; he would be proud because he sought this moment. I love you brother.

The Catalan continued to thank the fans of one of the most winning franchises in history, and with which he has cemented his legacy as the first Spaniard to have his number retired by the 17-time league champions. "I want to thank you, It has been an honor for me to wear this jersey, to play for this franchise, for this team, for this city.", be sincere.

He assured that, as a child, he dreamed of being a basketball player and playing in the NBA, “but never, in a million years, did I think that this moment would be possible, to live this great honor, to be with such important individuals in such an incredible franchise. . This tells you that there are no limits to what you can dowhat you can get, you have to try to be the best you can be. That was the 'mamba mentality''”, he contributed in reference to his ex-partner.

“It seems like yesterday when I was here, in a seventh game of the Finals beating the Celtics. What a night, what a day to remember, I'll never forget. I don't think you either ”, she assured, again in tears due to the cheers of the fans in the pavilion, when remembering the 2010 win over the Celtics.

"AND I want to thank my family, my parents, my brothers. Thank you for being here and for inspiring me, supporting me throughout my life, for loving me. I love them, ”she pointed out, looking at her parents and siblings, with Marc Gasolalso an NBA player and winner of the defensive back of the year award, visibly moved.

This would not be without my other family, the Lakers. Thank you, Mr. Buss, Jeanie, for the vision of your family and what they do. Phil Jackson (his coach for him on the Lakers), thanks for encouraging your players to read. Thank you for introducing me to 'mindfulness'. I love you to death, you and all your family. To my teammates who are here, thank you for helping me, hugging me and hosting me. I hope you feel a piece of that jersey as yours, because it is.

True to his principles, he ended his speeches in this way: “To those who are given much, much is expected of them.. So I will continue to commit my life to influencing others, to making a difference, to helping bulls, to making this world a better and healthier world. Thank you all".

Tonight is beyond any dream or expectation I've ever had. Obviously, the fact that Kobe is up there adds something significant, powerful, sad, happy, painful and joyous. Are a lot of things.

Regarding what he felt when he saw his retired shirt, he recognized that life is sometimes the blink of an eye with unexpected gifts. “I mean, life goes by pretty fast, doesn't it? In the blink of an eye, you can be a kid playing basketball at your school with your friends, and suddenly, you are realizing your dream.“he commented.

As for the other eleven players with retired jerseys in the Lakers, he said that a "common dominator" could be having given "something valuable" to the team. “I would not dare to compare myself with those great players for whom I have so much respect and honor.. Part of the reason I'm there is that I significantly helped the team win those championships," he said, referring to the 2009 and 2010 championship rings.

(With information from Europe Press)