Vanessa Bryant got the honor of introducing Pau Gasol for his jersey retirement ceremony on Tuesday night. After her introduction, she shared a video of Kobe talking about Gasol’s future jersey retirement and how his jersey will be in the rafters next to Kobe’s.
Vanessa Bryant Shared A Video From Kobe For Pau Gasol’s Jersey Retirement
During Tuesday night’s ceremony. Los Angeles Lakers owners and players talked about Gasol’s legacy. His no. 16 jersey was also lifted to the rafters next to Kobe’s no. 8 and 24 jerseys.
Vanessa, 40, had the honor of introducing Gasol, 42, for his big night. “It is my honor to introduce my dear friend Pau tonight. Pau was special to Kobe as a teammate, as a man and as a friend,” she said. “Pablo, Kobe predicted you and he would be together in the rafters. Here’s a little video I want you to watch.”
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In the video from years ago, Kobe predicted how this night would go for Gasol. “When he retires, he will have his number in the rafters next to mine,” he said. “The reality is I don’t win those championships without Pau.”
He concluded his video saying, “I really look forward to the day when he’s there giving his speech at center court in front of all the fans who have supported him over the years so it’s gonna be an awesome night.”
And that night has officially arrived. Pau made sure to talk about Kobe during his speech at center court facing all his fans in the full arena. After thanking Vanessa for the introduction and the video, he shared his gratitude for her and her family.
And then he talked about his good friend Kobe, the “brother” that challenged him to always be better.
“It’s really been my honor to wear this jersey, to play for this franchise, to help this team, to contribute to this city. It really has, so I thank you. But I can’t go on without talking about the person and the face that I don’t see. The brother that elevated me, inspired me, challenged me to be a better player, just to be a better man overall,” he said as the arena began chanting “Kobe” over and over.
Holding back tears, he continued to talk about Kobe. “I miss him so much like many of us do. I love him and I wish he was here with Gigi. I really do,” he said. “But I think he’ll be proud. And he was looking forward to this moment, so. Love you brother.”
Social Media Followers Shared Their Support And Love On Various Posts
Many of Gasol’s and Kobe’s fans took to social media to leave their thoughts on this big event. In addition to Vanessa sharing Instagram Stories of Gasol and Kobe together, other Instagram accounts also shared moments from the evening.
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Followers on the Kobe Highlight Instagram page let their emotions out in the comment section. “Just like Kobe said it would,” one follower wrote. Another added, “Once I saw Pau’s jersey revealed next to Kobes, I broke.”
Another person commented, “Men cried today, and it’s alright,” and another said, “Real tears. So proud to see my childhood heroes forever etched in Lakers history. 🙏🏾💜💛”
The NBA also shared a clip of the evening on their Instagram page captioned, “Family! 💜💛 #GraciasPau.”
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Emotions were flowing in the comments section on this post, too. Many commented on Vanessa’s presence. “Having Vanessa there makes me happy,” one follower wrote. Another added, “Vanessa was there representing KOBE.❤️”
Others left comments of congratulations and excitement for Gasol’s big moment. “If Kobe was there…he would have the proudest smile for Pau💜💛 👏👏👏👏👏congratulations 16!💛💜💛💜💛💜💛💜💛💜💛,” one person wrote.
“So happy Pau will be forever next to the Mamba. Thank you Pau for your amazing years with the franchise. 💜💛✌️,” wrote another.
