Big man Pau Gasol is generally considered to be a Los Angeles Lakers legend by the team’s fans. He managed to help the team win two titles with Kobe Bryant, and there’s no doubt that his performances gained him many admirers in Los Angeles.
Recently, the Los Angeles Lakers officially retired Pau Gasol’s jersey. A lot of fans reacted to the event, with many of them being emotional and reminiscing on his time with the Lakers. One fan for example, said that the “real ones” are crying watching this ceremony.
Real ones crying watching the ceremony right now. Congrats Pau Gasol. Hell of a player and a class act off the floor
— IKD (@ESPNneedsIKD) March 8, 2023
Another fan was happy that Gasol’s jersey was next to Kobe Bryant’s.
Next to Kobe is amazing
— Bizzy (@NahImBizzy) March 8, 2023
Some suggested that the Memphis Grizzlies need to retire Pau Gasol’s jersey.
Grizzlies next
— Ronny Hurd (@RonnyHurd) March 8, 2023
One account asked what took the team so long to do this.
https://twitter.com/lukatroncic23/status/1633318860110680064
Some fans simply expressed happiness that this was happening.
W Pau
— stunner ₉⁹₉ (@999Stunna_) March 8, 2023
Emotional man, Well deserved.
— ethan (@yungethh) March 8, 2023
https://twitter.com/Francisladaran1/status/1633319419396128769
This was definitely a huge occasion for both the Los Angeles Lakers and Pau Gasol, and there is no doubt that the big man deserved to see his name up there with the rest of the legends.
During his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Pau Gasol put up 17.9 PPG, 9.9 RPG, and 3.5 APG. He was a solid All-Star that came up clutch in the biggest moments, and it’s great to see him be recognized.
Pau Gasol Was Once Viewed As A “Soft” Player
Even though he is now a franchise legend, Pau Gasol, like other great players, was once criticized. Recently, Gasol opened up on being called “soft”, after the Los Angeles Lakers were defeated by the Boston Celtics on the highest stage in 2008.
“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 stated. “It was discussed a lot more when we got beat by the Celtics in 08. They were a more physical team than we were and I got highlighted on that loss. But at the same time, 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 in that series.”
There is no doubt that Pau Gasol showed that he can be a great player in this league and the No. 2 option on a championship-level team. He is likely going to be a Hall of Fame player in the future, and it is only a matter of time before he gets inducted.
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