During his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Pau Gasol helped turn things around for the storied franchise and as a result, made three straight NBA Finals appearances. Gasol was a major part of the Lakers’ success during that time and has two championship rings to show for it.
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On Thursday night, Gasol returned to the Staples Center to face the Lakers for the first time since signing with the Bulls. Pau reflected on his legacy with his former team saying the following about his time in Los Angeles:
“It was incredible. What I experienced here, what I was able to accomplish, what we were able to accomplish as a team for a few years, it was very special. That group of guys and that group of coaches was really special, we did some amazing things.”
Although Gasol admitted growing to love the city of Los Angeles, the Lakers franchise and the fans, the Spaniard chose to leave the team in free agency this past summer. Gasol signed a three-year deal with the Chicago Bulls and so far it has been the right choice with the veteran forward/center resurrecting his career in the Windy City.
Gasol won two titles with the Lakers and as a result of his play while with the team, is highly regarded as one of the best international players of all time. Pau will without a doubt be inducted into the Hall of Fame following an incredible career that peaked with back-to-back championships playing alongside Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles.
[divide]Lakers Honor Pau Gasol At Staples Center