Pau Gasol He is a specialist in controlling the scene, he has always done it, in games, at events, in celebrations. But what he has experienced all these days in Los Angeles, surpasses anything before. And this is how he revealed it moments before receiving the tribute from the Lakers with which his career is already legendary: “This is more than I could ever imagine. It’s a very special dayit is possible that although I am a tightrope walker and I move well controlling emotions, in the end I break and look into an abyss due to so much emotion”.
The emotional removal of Pau Gasol’s Lakers jersey: next to Kobe’s, excited…
Images and memories have been accumulating for Pau since he was in LA since this well-deserved tribute was taking shape until the night his shirt was withdrawn: “I have lived a few frantic days, with my heart beating a thousand per hour from the emotion. I have not been able to sleep well thinking about everything that was coming my way and how I was going to manage it”.
The Lakers gave him the opportunity to dress in purple and gold in his day and he responded with an unmatched career: “I am proud to have been part of this organization., achieve what we have achieved and that they pay you this type of tribute. I think it’s much more than I deserve. I’m a laker forever“.
But above all, Pau knows the position he is in and how much he can do. His career as a player is already mythical, but as a human being, his greatness is even greater: “I am privileged for many things, now for having the opportunity to help people who needs it most from my position of relevance in society. I mean, life goes by pretty fast, right? 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. But tonight, it really exceeds any dream or expectation you’ve had because it means a lot. And obviously with Kobe up there, it just adds something meaningful and powerful, sad and happy, painful and joyful.”
Kobe Bryant will always be in your memory. It was a relationship that transcended the track, it went much further. Pure friendship: “I miss him a lot. There’s nothing you can do about it but love your family. This is how I feel. I remember when I came to the Lakers. Kobe welcomes you and says, ‘Let’s go out there and win a ring,'” Gasol recalled. “And I thought ‘OK, I’m on board.‘”.
The emotional removal of Pau Gasol’s Lakers jersey: next to Kobe’s, excited…
Pau Gasol’s career in the NBA (and in the national team) is already something that can be taught in universities. And this is how he defines himself: “I think the common thread is that I brought something valuable to the team to help them win.. I wouldn’t dare compare myself to those great players. I have so much respect and honor. Part of the reason I’m there is because I significantly helped the team win those championships. If I hadn’t won championships, I wouldn’t be here.”
Kobe’s prediction that comes true today: “I’m looking forward to that day”
One last thank you to the people who have followed him from Spain almost every night, making them get up early or go to bed very late: “I have always felt a lot of love and support from people, no matter how far we are from there.. I have always felt very lucky, I am very grateful. Spanish fans told me that I was stealing a lot of sleep from them. I told them I was sorry… but I hope they enjoyed it and I made it up to them. I have always felt his affection very close.”
