Lakers News: Pau Gasol Teases Jersey Retirement Ceremony During 2022-23 Season
Pau Gasol, 2010 NBA Finals, Lakers
John W. McDonough-Sports Illustrated

One of the more beloved Los Angeles Lakers Pau Gasol may be immortalized in Lakers lore next season.

Gasol spent six seasons in L.A. winning two championships with the Purple and Gold. He was the Robin to Kobe Bryant’s Batman during the Lakers mini-dynasty in the late 2000s and early 2010s. He averaged 17.7 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists in six and a half seasons.

Gasol’s acquisition in 2008 refueled a franchise spoiling Bryant’s prime, kickstarting three consecutive appearances in the NBA Finals. His memorable 19 point, 18 rebound performance in Game 7 of the 2010 Finals locked him in as a franchise legend. He also became known for his commitment to the team and camaraderie with Bryant.

The Lakers already confirmed last October that Gasol would have his jersey retired. Now, the 7-foot-one big man revealed it may happen sooner than fans think, according to Marc Mundet of RAC1:

In 2018, Gasol said it “would be a huge honor” if his jersey were to be retired by the Lakers. After Bryant had his retired in 2017, it was only a matter of time for Gasol to be next.

The Lakers have often waited for a player to enter the Hall of Fame before retiring their jersey. That wasn’t the case for Kobe because of his immense impact on the franchise and resume. It doesn’t seem like the Lakers will wait for Gasol either, since his Hall of Fame eligibility will begin after four full seasons of retirement.

It will likely be an emotional day once No. 16 enters the rafters forever.

Rob Pelinka says Lakers “still have more work to do”

General manager Rob Pelinka is assigned the tough task of rebuilding a Lakers roster that vastly underperformed last season. Pelinka has so far signed younger, more athletic players compared to last offseason’s older signings.

But, Pelinka isn’t done yet, stating that more work will be done. It was reported that the Lakers will “definitely” look for more ways to add shooting. The Lakers will also “continue to explore every conceivable option for acquiring [Kyrie] Irving.”

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Alex Caruso, Johnathan Williams Rejoin Lakers For Game Vs. Kings

Alex Caruso and Johnathan Williams have rejoined the Los Angeles Lakers for Thursday’s game against the Sacramento Kings. Both players are on two-way contracts and have…

Lakers Great Shaquille O’Neal Compares Himself To LeBron James In MVP Voting

Former Los Angeles Lakers great Shaquille O’Neal was immortalized forever outside of the Staples Center on Friday evening as he was given a statue alongside other Lakers greats like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West and broadcaster Chick Hearn…

Lakers Instructed To Work Out At Home Gyms Or UCLA Health Training Center Amid Coronavirus Stoppage

The entire sports world continues to figure out how to proceed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that has shut down…

Lakers Rumors: Many In L.A. Push To ‘Demote’ Russell Westbrook From Starting Lineup Despite Frank Vogel’s ‘Resistance’

The Los Angeles Lakers are yet to unleash the best version of Russell Westbrook for a longer stretch of the 2021-22…