Luka Doncic‘s arrival has transformed the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a>’ project, making him the team’s cornerstone. Moreover, general manager Rob Pelinka bolstered the roster with Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton to elevate the Slovenian’s potential. Despite these moves, critics question his ability to lead this ambitious project. For that reason, NBA legend <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pau-gasol" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pau Gasol</a> weighed in on the situation, offering his insight on the team’s bold direction.



“<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/luka-doncic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luka</a> is one of the greatest players in the league and a guy that the Lakers definitely gonna build the next 10 years, a franchise around him. You gotta work together, you gotta communicate, you gotta build a real chemistry and you gotta lead your team,” Paul Gasol said, via <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Today on ESPN.



Though Luka Doncic has always been an impressive player, his arrival at the Lakers marked a transformation that went beyond physical prowess to instill commanding leadership. During EuroBasket 2025, he showcased his extraordinary talent while cementing his role as Slovenia’s vocal leader. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lakers-star-luka-doncic-received-unexpected-praise-from-slovenian-teammate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">His significant growth in this area earned him high praise from a teammate,</a> highlighting his evolution as more than just a player.



After developing his leadership skills, Luka surprised everyone by transforming his physique and getting into peak championship shape, as JJ Redick remarked post the 2024-25 season. The challenge lies in sustaining this form throughout the season, which could position him as a leading MVP candidate and propel the franchise to a championship, just like with the Mavericks in 2024.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250920_BUS_495045_Luka-Doncic-Los-Angeles-Lakers-3-1024x576_df203eaa.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Luka Doncic playing with the Lakers" class="wp-image-373893" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Report: Luka Doncic fully believes in Lakers’ vision, reveals his No. 1 goal in the near future</h2>



Luka Doncic, following his departure from the Dallas Mavericks, has shown unwavering commitment to the Los Angeles Lakers, driven by a desire to regain peak form. The front office has bolstered the roster with significant reinforcements, and rumors suggest that additional key players might join the squad soon. Doncic reportedly places his trust in the franchise’s future vision, making it clear his main objective in the upcoming years.


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“He stresses every single day that his goal is to win a championship. He trusts the front office to do their part, and he trusts what they’re building,” Dave McMenamin said, via ESPN. 



Even if Rob Pelinka faced heavy criticism during the offseason, the Lakers have successfully addressed roster gaps, igniting fans’ excitement. They hope these new additions, coupled with Luka’s outstanding performance showcased in the 2025 EuroBasket, will lead to NBA success.

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NBA legend Pau Gasol breaks the silence on Luca Doncic’s capacity to lead Lakers’ legacy - Bolavip US

miniaturas

European players are increasingly asserting their dominance in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NB</a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A</a>, winning five of the last eight MVP awards. Notable stars include Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Victor Wembanyama. While discussions often focus on non-American players’ dominance, European talents have historically left a significant mark on the league. Recently, a Utah Jazz player surprised by naming someone other than <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dirk-nowitzki" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dirk Nowitzki</a> as the greatest European big man.



During the excitement of FIBA EuroBasket 2025, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/utah-jazz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah Jazz</a> standout Jusuf Nurkic engaged in a brief interview with SBB. In a spirited game segment, he was asked to select the best big man from a list of renowned players. Surprisingly, Nurkic picked Pau Gasol, favoring him over legends like Dirk Nowitzki or current stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nikola-jokic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nikola Jokic</a>.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pau-gasol" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pau Gasol</a> carved out an indelible legacy over his illustrious 18-year NBA career, culminating in a well-deserved induction into the Hall of Fame. Across 1,126 games, he consistently posted impressive averages of 17 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. He became an icon for the Los Angeles Lakers, playing a pivotal role in securing back-to-back championships. Yet, curiously, his name often lacks prominence in discussions about the greatest players at his position.



While Pau’s legendary status is unquestioned, his selection over Dirk Nowitzki stirred some debate. Nowitzki, a Dallas Mavericks icon, captured an NBA championship and won both Finals MVP and regular-season MVP honors. He boasted career averages of 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists across 1,522 games. His achievements and consistency affirm his rank as one of Dallas’s greatest and a standout in the league.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250905_BUS_486403_Gasol-Lakers-1024x576_d6a7bd7d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Pau Gasol in the Los Angeles Lakers " class="wp-image-260328" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Pau Gasol’s impressive legacy goes beyond the NBA</h2>



Pau Gasol’s legacy extends beyond the NBA, firmly establishing him as a historic figure with the Spanish national team. As the most successful player in FIBA history, Gasol secured the 2006 World Cup title alongside three EuroBasket championships in 2009, 2011, and 2015. Moreover, his collection of eleven Olympic medals underscores his exceptional international prowess and enduring impact on the sport.


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Dirk Nowitzki may have dominated with the Dallas Mavericks, but his international legacy with FIBA does not quite rival that of Spanish legend Pau Gasol. While representing Germany, Nowitzki’s resume includes second-place finishes at the 2008 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the 2006 Stankovic Continental Champions Cup, and the 2005 EuroBasket.



This comparison is not to diminish Dirk’s legendary status but rather to underscore the vast impact Pau Gasol has had on the global stage. In Spain, he rose to prominence alongside stars like Juan Carlos Navarro, Rudy Fernandez, Sergio Llull, and his brother Marc Gasol. His reputation as one of Europe’s premier big men is well-earned, as evidenced by his numerous accolades.

Neither Nowitzki nor Jokic: Utah Jazz’s Jusuf Nurkic delivers surprising take on the European GOAT big man debate

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Neither Nowitzki nor Jokic: Utah Jazz’s Jusuf Nurkic delivers surprising take on the European GOAT big man debate - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> legend, two-time NBA champion, and Hall of Famer Pau Gasol has joined the growing debate about who will become the next face of the NBA as the league’s biggest stars approach retirement. Gasol, however, has a clear stance on the matter.



The conversation gained traction after Stephen A. Smith claimed on ESPN’s First Take that an international player could not be the face of the NBA, a sentiment echoed by Shannon Sharpe. “I don’t believe an international player can be the face of the NBA. I know they’re global iconic figures, their popularity extends globally, but the NBA is an American-born sport,” Smith stated.



Gasol strongly disagrees. Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, he argued that not only can there be multiple faces of the league, but that those players don’t have to be American-born. He also pointed to the dominance of international stars such as Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.



“It’s not that there has to be just one face,” Gasol explained. “There have been different eras where two or three players carried a lot of that branding for the game. The NBA has become so global that I don’t believe the face of the league necessarily needs to be an American.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250307_BUS_350700_GettyImages-87860027-1-1024x576_7aa9431d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Pau Gasol #16 and Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers walk to the bench late in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets" class="wp-image-350707" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/07181504/GettyImages-87860027-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/07181504/GettyImages-87860027-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/07181504/GettyImages-87860027-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/07181504/GettyImages-87860027-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/07181504/GettyImages-87860027-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/07181504/GettyImages-87860027-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/07181504/GettyImages-87860027-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/07181504/GettyImages-87860027-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Pau Gasol #16 and Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers walk to the bench late in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Gasol Backs International Stars’ Impact on the League</h2>



With his comments, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pau-gasol">Gasol</a> is advocating for greater recognition of international players who continue to elevate the NBA—just as he and Manu Ginóbili did in their time.


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“The identity of the league has evolved into a global game, with a significant percentage of players coming from outside the U.S.,” Gasol said. But does this shift benefit the NBA? While expanding the league’s international appeal, some argue it could impact local engagement.



“Over the last five to seven years, you look at Giannis, Jokic, Luka, even Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—who isn’t American either. Now you have Wemby. The NBA is an international brand, even though it’s based in North America,” Gasol added.



<h2>Pau Gasol’s Hall of Fame NBA journey</h2>



One of the most skilled big men in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> history, Gasol was selected third overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks and immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He won Rookie of the Year and became the franchise’s first true star before being dealt to the Lakers in 2008. Alongside Kobe Bryant, Gasol was instrumental in Los Angeles’ back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010, cementing his status as one of the greatest international players of all time.



Following his Lakers tenure, Gasol played for the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Milwaukee Bucks, continuing to showcase his high basketball IQ and versatility. Internationally, he led Spain to multiple gold medals in EuroBasket and two Olympic silver medals. His impact on the game was honored with his 2023 induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the retirement of his No. 16 jersey by the Lakers.

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Lakers legend Pau Gasol makes a huge statement on the next face of the NBA - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pau-gasol">Pau Gasol</a> entered the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> in 2001 with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/memphis-grizzlies">Memphis Grizzlies</a>, but he is best remembered for his dominant years with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2008 to 2014, when he won two NBA championships.



Pau Gasol’s legacy is as strong as the players he named to his personal top 11, which includes LeBron James, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry">Stephen Curry</a>, Bill Russell, Larry Bird and other household names.



Pau Gasol scored over 20,000 points in the NBA, along with 11,305 rebounds and nearly 4,000 assists during his nearly 20-year career with 5 franchises.



<h2>What is the top 11 of all-time according to Pau Gasol?</h2>



In a recent article in the LA Times, Gasol named his personal top 11 NBA players of all time. The list includes a mix of players from the 20th and 21st centuries, with some active players still in the league.



<ol><li>Kareem Adbul-Jabbar</li><li>Bill Russell</li><li>Magic Johnson</li><li>Larry Bird</li><li>Michael Jordan</li><li>Kobe ​Nryant</li><li>Tim Duncan</li><li>Kevin Garnett</li><li>Dirk Nowitzki</li><li>Lebron James</li><li>Stephen Curry</li></ol>



Gasol played with two of the players on his list, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant">Kobe Bryant</a> and Tim Duncan. He won two championships with Bryant, and he played with Duncan for one season with the San Antonio Spurs.

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NBA: Pau Gasol names Top 11 players of all-time, LeBron included - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have had more legendary players than any other franchise in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA.</a> But among the many greats we’ve seen donning the Purple and Gold, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe Bryant</a> stands on a tier of his own.



But just like Michael Jordan before him or LeBron James after him, Kobe couldn’t win on his own. He needed someone to complement him and help him be the best version of himself.



Likewise, the Black Mamba was that same person for that sidekick. That’s why Pau Gasol honored him in his Hall of Fame induction speech, stating that he wouldn’t have reached his peak without Kobe’s leadership.



<h2>Pau Gasol Thanks Kobe In Hall Of Fame Speech</h2>



“That’s where (Lakers) I got to know the person who elevated my game like no other,” Gasol said. “Who taught me what it took to win at the highest level. Who showed me how hard you have to work and the mentality you needed to have in order to be the best. The commitment you had to make, what it meant, and what it took to be a leader, Kobe.”



“I wouldn’t be here without you brother,” Gasol continued. “I wish more than anything that you and Gigi were here today with us. I miss you and love you.”


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This was one of the most emotional ceremonies in Hall of Fame history, and it would’ve been nice to see Kobe introducing his best friend. It still doesn’t feel real that he’s not around anymore.

Pau Gasol pays heartwarming tribute to Kobe Bryant in HoF speech

Pau Gasol pays heartwarming tribute to Kobe Bryant in HoF speech - Bolavip US

Even though<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Shaq-explains-why-Clippers-have-no-chance-of-winning-the-NBA-championship-20230301-0011.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Shaquille O’Neal </a>was way more dominant, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/heartbreaking-day-kobe-bryant-talked-about-pau-gasol-lakers-jersey-retirement-20220818-0001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pau Gasol</a> was actually a better teammate for<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/pau-gasol-makes-the-saddest-confession-about-kobe-bryants-death-20211106-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kobe Bryant</a>. Their characters meshed well together, and they won two NBA championships in three trips to the Finals.
Gasol was just what the Lakers needed at the time. And even though he failed to live up to the task when it mattered the most, Kobe made sure to toughen him up and bring the best out of him later in their careers.
That ended with Pau having his no .16 jersey hanging high in the rafters of Crypto.com arena <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/pau-gasol-jersey-retirement-what-numbers-have-the-lakers-retired-20220818-0006.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">side by side with Kobe’s.</a> Nonetheless, the Black Mamba knew that fans didn’t always appreciate him enough.
<h2>Kobe Bryant Felt LakersFans Didn’t Truly Appreciate Pau Gasol</h2>
“I thought that it was really silly and I felt bad for him going through all that stuff,” Kobe told ESPN in 2016. “That’s why I defended him so much… I think the city of L.A. didn’t really appreciate what he did and what we had, and so as a consequence, everybody kind of fell in line with the [former Lakers coach] Mike D’Antoni rhetoric of small ball and all these other bulls***. For a guy that has two championships to be treated that way, you don’t do that, man.”
 
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<h2>Gasol Opens Up On Criticism</h2>
Pau was no stranger to criticism and trade rumors. He was often labeled as a ‘soft’ player, especially early in his Lakers tenure. Still, he used it as his fuel to get better and prove everybody wrong:
“Obviously I won’t say it was pleasant, I remember that was kind of the narrative European players had at the time. Great, skilled players, fundamentally sound, great IQ and stuff but just not physical enough and soft,” Gasol said.
“It was discussed a lot more when we got beat by the Celtics in 08,” the big man added. “They were a more physical team than we were and I got highlighted on that loss. But at the same it’s like okay I’m going to use this as motivation. I’m going to take this as a personal challenge and I’m going to make sure that I’m ready because I knew that I got physically outmatched that series.”

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“That was kind of the label or the narrative that European players had at the time”<a href="https://twitter.com/paugasol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PauGasol</a> talks with <a href="https://twitter.com/TermineRadio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TermineRadio</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/Jumpshot8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JumpShot8</a> about the criticism around Euro players including himself. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LakersNation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LakersNation</a> <a href="https://t.co/9qbvVAXQit">pic.twitter.com/9qbvVAXQit</a>
 — SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SiriusXMNBA/status/1633271319986073601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2023</a> </blockquote></div>
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Pau Gasol wound up being one of the best international players in NBA history, and he proved to be no pushover at all. Hopefully, Lakers fans learned to appreciate him and cherish him now, especially after their team has gone through so many ups and downs since he left.

Kobe Bryant once shared a harsh truth about his duo with Pau Gasol

Kobe Bryant once shared a harsh truth about his duo with Pau Gasol - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/skip-bayless-explains-why-lebron-james-million-dollar-contract-extension-with-lakers-isnt-right-20220817-0044.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> just announced that they will retire <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/pau-gasol-makes-the-saddest-confession-about-kobe-bryants-death-20211106-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pau Gasol’</a>s no. 16 jersey on March 3, 2022. He’ll become just the eleventh player in team history to get this honor and the first big man since <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-shaq-states-what-kevin-durant-should-do-instead-of-asking-for-a-transfer-20220803-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shaquille O’Neal.</a>
Albeit Gasol didn’t start or finish his career in Los Angeles, it was with the Lakers that he reached the heights of his career. He was a three-time All-Star during his time in Southern California, as well as one of the biggest contributors to their success.
Gasol and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/heartbreaking-day-kobe-bryant-talked-about-pau-gasol-lakers-jersey-retirement-20220818-0001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kobe Bryant</a> put together one of the best duos in franchise history. So, it’s only normal to see that Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka have made the decision to hang his jersey high in the rafters.
<h2>Why Will The Lakers Retire Pau Gasol’s Number?</h2>
Even though he was there for only six of his 18-year career, Pau Gasol’s Lakers tenure was full of success. He averaged 17.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game on 52.2% from the floor.
Gasol also ranks ninth in rebounds, field goal percentage,and blocks, tenth in triple-doubles, and helped Kobe Bryant reach the NBA Finals three years in a row, winning the NBA championship in 2009and 2010.
With Gasol and Bryant’s one-two punch, the Lakers managed to find their long-lost success again. He was what the team needed to go back to their winning ways after Shaquille O’Neal’s departure in 2004.
<h2>All Numbers Retired By The Los Angeles Lakers</h2>
+ Wilt Chamberlain, No. 13
+ Elgin Baylor, No. 22
+ Gail Goodrich, No. 25
+ Magic Johnson, No. 32
+ Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, No. 33
+ Shaquille O’Neal, No. 34
+ James Worthy, No. 42.
+ Jerry West, No. 44
+ Jamaal Wilkes, No. 52
+ Kobe Bryant, Nos. 8; 24
+ Pau Gasol, No. 16

Pau Gasol jersey retirement: What numbers have the Lakers retired?

Pau Gasol jersey retirement: What numbers have the Lakers retired? - Bolavip US

Following a remarkable NBA career that saw him win two NBA championships, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/skip-bayless-explains-why-lebron-james-million-dollar-contract-extension-with-lakers-isnt-right-20220817-0044.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> will grant <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/pau-gasol-makes-the-saddest-confession-about-kobe-bryants-death-20211106-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pau Gasol</a> the ultimate honor. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/which-lakers-player-will-have-his-nba-jersey-retirement-ceremony-in-2022-20220709-0032.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">His jersey will hang high in the rafters</a> starting March 3, 2023.
Gasol was only in Southern California for six years, but he was a key factor in the team’s resurgence in the late 2000s. He was the sidekick Kobe Bryant needed to lead the team to a ring in the post-Shaquille O’Neal era.
With Gasol on board, Kobe and the Lakes <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/los-angeles-lakers-championships-list-by-year-of-all-nba-titles-20220405-0036.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">won back-to-back rings</a> in 2009 and 2010 and made it to three straight NBA Finals. That’s why Bryant himself once claimed that there was no debate about whether to retirehis jersey or not.
<h2>Kobe Bryant Said There Was ‘No Debate’ On Retiring Pau Gasol’s Jersey</h2>
“There’s no debate,” Kobe sentenced. “Pau, when he retires, he will have his number in the rafters next month. The reality is I don’t win those championships without Pau. I can’t see how those two championships without Pau Gasol. We know that, everybody knows that. I really look forward to the day when he’s there giving his speech at center court in front of all the fans who supported him through all the years. So, it’s gonna be an awesome night.”

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Kobe Bryant on Pau Gasol getting his jersey retired in the Lakers rafters next to his ��<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBATwitter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBATwitter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LakeShow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LakeShow</a> <a href="https://t.co/uJJPEXmRiI">https://t.co/uJJPEXmRiI</a> <a href="https://t.co/zDWvK6IDhc">pic.twitter.com/zDWvK6IDhc</a>
 — ������������’ ������ (@_Talkin_NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/_Talkin_NBA/status/1560002331089027073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2022</a> </blockquote></div>
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<h2>Gasol Talks About Kobe’s ‘Mamba Mentality’</h2>
Gasol often credits Kobe for toughening him up and bringing the best out of his game. Recently, he told the story of the time he challenged him to see how much work he had put on during vacation, another example of his signature Mamba Mentality:
“I think he was on all the time,” Gasol told JJ Redick.“He was just on throughout the season. He might have some off nights or nights where he felt he was so dominant. Especially against the not-so-good teams where the extra pass or the right play may not be necessary all the time, he would take a little more load offensively. I remember a moment when we got done playing the Olympics in Beijing and we come back, I try to take some time off to give my mind and body a breather. Training camp was 3 weeks after that and Phil (Jackson) gave us a practice off. But Kobe challenged me to a one-on-one in the post, just to see where I was at because he kept working after the Olympics.”
Kobe and Pau complemented each other on and off the court, so it’s only natural to see them hanging together in immortality. Kobe sure left us way too early, but at least he’ll get his wish of watching Pau’s jersey right next to his.

Heartbreaking: The day Kobe Bryant talked about Pau Gasol's Lakers jersey retirement

Heartbreaking: The day Kobe Bryant talked about Pau Gasol's Lakers jersey retirement - Bolavip US

The last time the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-finals-history-by-year-complete-list-of-all-nba-finals-championship-games-20220601-0041.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Los Angeles Lakers</a> won a title was in 2020 but by that time <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-finals-all-nba-champions-by-year-20210701-0003.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kobe Bryant</a> had already lost his life. The team dedicated the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/ringless-best-nba-players-that-have-never-won-a-ring-20210625-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA Championship </a>to Bryant’s memory, but after that title the Lakers had a couple of lousy seasons.
For now the Lakers are led by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/steve-kerrs-championships-how-many-rings-does-the-warriors-coach-have-won-20220619-0033.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James</a> although the team will need to be rebuilt for the upcoming 2022-2023 season if they want to make the playoffs. Rumors point that Kyrie Irving could join the team.
Kobe Bryant won his last <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-ring-2022-value-how-much-does-an-nba-championship-ring-cost-20220531-0039.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA Championship </a>with the Lakers in 2010 in what was his second back-to-back title win of his career. Bryant retired in 2016 and his jersey ceremony was in 2017, his life ended three years later in a helicopter crash.
<h2>Which Lakers player will have his NBA jersey retirement ceremony in 2022?</h2>
A former Los Angeles Lakers player said on a radio show that his jersey number could be retired sometime during the upcoming 2022-2023 season. The player is the two-time NBA Champion, Pau Gasol.
Gasol during a radio show in Barcelona: “The ceremony could be the next season,” “Yes, I’ve talked to the franchise and Buss family. We are all very excited”. per Marc Mundet
“It’s hard to imagine a moment like this,” “If it comes, it might be full of emotion, and tough to control myself. I’m very excited it comes to reality”.
He announced his retirement in October 2021 after playing with his last team in the NBA, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/The-25-NBA-teams-with-most-fans-20200423-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a>. Gasol was a 6-time NBA All-Star, a two-time All-NBA Second Team and a two-time All-NBA Third Team.

Which Lakers player will have his NBA jersey retirement ceremony in 2022?

Which Lakers player will have his NBA jersey retirement ceremony in 2022? - Bolavip US

Just like Michael Jordan needed Scottie Pippen, at some point in his career <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/kobe-bryant-t127173" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kobe Bryant</a> needed Pau Gasol. They made each other better and helped take the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/los-angeles-lakers-t101482" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> back to the top of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba-t19117" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA.</a>
But more than what they accomplished on the court, Pau and Kobe built a strong relationship off it. The Spaniard became another member of the Bryant family, a bond that they still carry to this day.
That’s why the former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/memphis-grizzlies-t100708" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grizzlies</a> star was so heartbroken to find out about Kobe’s tragic passing a couple of years ago. Recently, he opened up on how hard it was for him to deal with that while shooting his upcoming documentary “It’s all about the journey.”
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<h2>Pau Gasol Says It Took Him A Lot Of Time To Sleep After Kobe’s Death</h2>
“The objective of the documentary was to show the personal side and to be authentic. To be transparent with what was happening and unfortunately, this tragic accident took place and it was a very hard blow that is still being digested. We could not hide it, although for me it was hard. But Kobe had meant so much in my life that it was a way to convey those feelings in the most natural way possible. It took me a long time to sleep well, there were a lot of crying and a lot of pain,” Gasol told Marca.
Kobe and Pau battled together at STAPLES Center for seven years, winning a couple of NBA Championships in 3 trips to the NBA Finals. Moreover, he might as well be the teammate he grew to care about the most.
 
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Gasol has grown even closer to the Bryant family since Kobe’s passing. His relationship was always bigger than basketball getting over such terrible news must’ve been hell for such a close friend like him.

Pau Gasol makes the saddest confession about Kobe Bryant's death

Pau Gasol makes the saddest confession about Kobe Bryant's death - Bolavip US

The best of the Beale Street Bears: The top 25 greatest Memphis Grizzlies in history

The best of the Beale Street Bears: The top 25 greatest Memphis Grizzlies in history - Bolavip US

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