After several seasons of speculation, the Los Angeles Lakers made it official that the number 16 worn by Pau Gasol will be retired in tribute to the work of the Spaniard during his seven years as one of the team’s top stars in the NBA.
This will be the first number to be retired since Kobe Bryant received the honor twice in 2017, making him the only player to have two numbers retired in a franchise within the league. The 8 and 24 that he carried for two decades are hanging in the Crypto.com Arena and bear witness to the best player in the history of the organization.
SOURCE SPORTS: Los Angeles Lakers Announce the Retirement of Pau Gasol’s Number https://t.co/FopxcYnyzj
— The Source Magazine (@TheSource) August 18, 2022
It will be the thirteenth number to be retired by the Lakers, as one of the teams that has had the most legends throughout its history. The numbers used by Elgin Baylor (22), Wilt Chamberlain (13) and Jerry West (44) stand out, being the first to have gone out of circulation in the decade of the 70s.
Prior to Kobe, the last player to receive recognition of this type had been Shaquille O’Neal in 2016, being the two top stars of the Lakers in the 21st century and managers of three championships together.
Here is the complete list of players who have had their number withdrawn by the Lakers:
