What was Kobe Bryant's pre-recorded message for Pau Gasol? Full speech shared on jersey retirement
The late Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol were the biggest stars in the LA Lakers' 2009 and 2010 championship teams. Gasol played seven seasons with the Purple and Gold franchise and the “Black Mamba” had already predicted that the Spaniard’s jersey would be retired by the Lakers.
On Tuesday night, what “KB24” had said five years ago, has just become a reality. Before Gasol’s jersey was officially raised to the rafter, a video was played regarding Bryant’s foreknowledge of tonight’s event:
“Pau [Gasol], when he retires, he will have his number in the rafters next to mine. Reality is, I don’t win those championships without Pau. … We know that, everybody knows that.
“We look forward to the day he’s giving his speech at center court in front of all the fans who have supported him over the years. It’s going to be an awesome night.”
Kobe talking about Pau Gasol in 2018 🥺 https://t.co/BcqTry69n3
On February 1, 2008, the LA Lakers swung for the fences by trading for Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies. LA sent Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, the draft rights to Marc Gasol [Pau’s younger brother] and first-round picks in 2008 and 2010.
In the summer of 2007, Kobe Bryant demanded to be traded after the LA Lakers were dismissed by the Phoenix Suns in back-to-back postseasons. A disgruntled Bryant remained in Hollywood but was not-so-subtly reminding everyone of his discontent on numerous occasions.
The Lakers eventually relented and made a franchise-altering decision to acquire the skilled former Rookie of the Year winner from the Grizzlies. Gasol’s acquisition reinvigorated Bryant and together, they promptly led the Lakers back to the NBA Finals.
10 years ago today, the Lakers agreed to a deal with the Grizzlies for Pau Gasol. This trade completely changed the Lakers fortunes and the rest is history. 🏆 🏆 https://t.co/PWTgYbDKdH
Facing them in the championship round was no less than the LA Lakers’ bitter and historic rival, the Boston Celtics. Boston was a stacked team that had Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett leading the charge.
Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers went down 3-1 in the 2008 NBA Finals and were eventually beaten in six games.
Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol redeemed themselves together
The loss to the Boston Celtics only fueled Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol’s desire to bring a championship to the LA Lakers. Bryant wanted to prove more than ever that he could win a title outside of Shaquille O’Neal’s shadow.
Gasol, on the other hand, was outplayed by Kevin Garnett in the 2008 NBA Finals. The Spaniard averaged 14.7 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists on 53.2% shooting from the field. Garnett answered with 18.2 points, 13.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.0 steals.
“The Big Ticket’s” energy, aggressiveness and leadership were huge reasons why the Celtics won that series.
Before the jersey retirement ceremony started, Pau Gasol told the media that he “took it personally” when he was ripped after the 2008 NBA Finals.
The LA Lakers returned to the NBA Finals in 2009 and beat the upstart Orlando Magic in five games. Orlando had all sorts of trouble containing Gasol and Kobe Bryant.
In 2010, Gasol and Bryant would finally have their revenge. They beat their archnemesis, the Boston Celtics, in a classic Game 7 thriller. Unlike in 2008, Spain’s best player was ready to take on the Kevin Garnett challenge.
The Lakers took down the Celtics to go back-to-back 🏆🏆
Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals starts now on ESPN. https://t.co/m1HkASG7ru
Pau Gasol averaged 18.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.7 blocks. He outshined Garnett, who managed to put up 15.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks.
Pau Gasol’s second title with the LA Lakers along with Kobe Bryant probably earned him Tuesday night’s jersey retirement ceremony.