The late NBA legend Kobe Bryant was one of the most amazing players to play in the NBA. When Kobe retired from the league, he had five rings to his name and numerous other accolades that he achieved throughout his career.
Evidently, it was only a matter of time before the Lakers decided to retire Kobe Bryant’s jersey numbers #8 and #24 for his 20-year service to the iconic franchise. Speaking of Bryant’s five rings with the team, he won the first three by being the second-best player to the ever-so-dominant Shaquille O’Neal.
But the next two rings that he won for the Lakers displayed Bryant’s brilliance and talent. However, Kobe couldn’t achieve that alone. Throughout his career in the NBA, Bryant has played with many players, but there is hardly anyone with whom he connected as he did with Pau Gasol.
Gasol played the role of Robin to Bryant’s Batman, and the Lakers wouldn’t be able to win two rings without Gasol’s contributions. We are not saying this out of the blue; Kobe himself said this about Gasol in a video.
Bryant also revealed that he believes Pau’s jersey will hang in the rafters one day alongside his own jerseys. Well, as Kobe predicted, the Lakers would soon retire Gasol’s jersey in the rafters soon.
Kobe Bryant on Pau Gasol getting his jersey retired in the Lakers rafters next to his 🥹#NBATwitter #LakeShow https://t.co/uJJPEXmRiI pic.twitter.com/zDWvK6IDhc
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) August 17, 2022
“There’s no debate. 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.”
Even in this video, Kobe showed his praise for Pau Gasol and wanted to be present on the night when Gasol’s number gets retired by the Lakers.
While Gasol will get his number retired, Kobe Bryant won’t be there to give a speech on a special night for one of his closest friends. Videos like these always make fans remember how many amazing Kobe moments they are truly been robbed of.
