March 7, 2023— His press conference was scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. PST, but at around ten o’clock, Pau Gasol generously strolled through the tunnel of the Lakers arena. He’s been on this stroll a thousand times before, and it’s always filled with memories.

Everyone recalls where they were when the Lakers signed Pau because it was a rare occasion that elicited strong emotion. It’s a time when you’re certain that everything will change. And it did. He boosted the Lakers, Los Angeles, and all Lakers fans. And as a result of everything Pau has accomplished, his jersey has risen to the rafters.

The two-time champion and six-time All-Star wore a navy-blue suit, a light purple undershirt, a dark purple tie, and, of course, his two Lakers championship rings and “Play Gigi’s Way” bracelet. He walked with a serious expression, yet if his gaze caught another on his path, a slight warm grin would appear.  

When he arrived at the juncture of the walk-in tunnel and the players’ tunnel, his first circle of journalists for the night surrounded him. Still, he appeared composed and ready to answer any questions, but he was swiftly led to his press room entrance, where he ascended the stage. The room was the same one where he celebrated his second title with the Lakers in 2010. 

“And tonight, the anticipation, the excitement, the honour received, it’s so big that it’s been really hard,” Pau went on to say. “I have to constantly telling myself that this is amazing. This is a wonderful celebration. It’s incredible to be able to experience this in your life while also having so many others around you that have followed, joined, and will accompany you on your trip. So, it’s great, and all I can say is thank you. 

The press conference lasted approximately twenty minutes, with Pau answering the first half of the questions in English and the second half in Spanish.  

This accurately reflects Pau’s playing style and the character he is. Pau is worldly. Pau is unique. Pau was a Barcelona native, just as Kobe was an Italian kid. And because he was the first international player on the Lakers to have his jersey retired, there was a large contingent of Spanish reporters in the arena tonight.  

There were 25 Spanish media members in attendance, representing 16 countries. Movistar, Spain’s telecommunications operator, even broadcast the Lakers-Memphis game live in Spain.  

A pregame reception for Pau was held before the game, in the same room where they celebrated Kobe’s jersey retirement the night before. The portraits in the frames lining the hallway to the venue have been replaced with photos of No. 16 and his teammates.  

At just after 5:00 p.m. PST, the room was quiet. Pau was standing there talking to his old Lakers teammate Josh Powell. Spanish music was playing. Then he left the audience for around twenty minutes. The crowd instantly doubled, then tripled.

The music switched to Coldplay. Pau adores Coldplay.  

Pau was suddenly back in the room, standing by the entrance. There was barely enough space to manoeuvre around the room. The audience continued to increase, as did the circles that surrounded him. The room was packed with Lakers icons such as Jamaal Wilkes and Byron Scott, as well as Pau’s former Lakers teammates Metta Sandiford-Artest, Derek Fisher, and Sasha Vujacic, his FC Barcelona teammates, including Juan Carlos Navarro, and his friends and family.

It was like a wedding scenario, with Pau graced each table one by one and capturing everyone’s attention despite the chaos in the room.  

Pau’s wife, Cat, arrived carrying his oldest daughter on her hip. She located her father right away and began calling his name and waving at him until he noticed her and lit up with a big smile.  

At 6:45 p.m. PST, everyone turned their attention to a stage in the back of the room. The Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, told everyone, “What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate one of our local heroes.”  

After being honoured by the city of Los Angeles, Pau sat centre stage. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was joined onstage by his old assistant coach, Jim Cleamons, as well as his former Lakers colleagues Dfish, Metta, Sasha, and Powell.  

“You are a classic gentleman; you embody all the things I hope my two daughters find in husbands,” he remarked.  

“Everyone knows you’re the student of the game, the student of life, and a champion.” “Everyone knows he was the missing piece we needed to win those championships,” Sasha explained.  

“You consistently bring people together. That’s what you do: give back. “I’m so happy to be your friend and brother; thank you for having me here,” Metta replied with a big smile.  

Pau was moved to tears.  

“I wasn’t prepared for this,” he murmured, calming himself. “I simply want to say thank you to everyone. And I want my teammates, each and every one of you, to know that a bit of that jersey up there is for you; you raised me.” 

Everyone went downstairs to see the Lakers battle the Grizzlies, Pau’s first NBA team, where he won Rookie of the Year and made his first All-Star appearance.  

Pau and his family remained behind. Cheers began to swell at the midway point of the first quarter, but nothing happened on the court. Then Pau emerged, cradling his daughter. When the fans realised, the Lakers’ No.16 received a standing ovation.  

Following the second quarter, the lights darkened. Pau and his family took centre court, and another circle gathered around them. Vanessa Bryant’s video flashed on the video board, and she introduced Pau. “Pablo, Kobe predicted it would be you and him in the rafters,” she said. And then a video of Kobe at the 2018 Oscars appeared, saying, “There’s no debate. When Pau retires, his jersey will hang in the rafters next to mine. The reality is that I wouldn’t have won those titles without Pau, and neither would Los Angeles. We are aware of this. Everyone knows this. And I’m looking forward to the day when he’ll be giving his speech at centre court in front of all of the fans who have backed him over the years. “It’s going to be an awesome night,” said the video, which closed with a shot of Kobe with his signature smirk. 

It felt as if time stopped still after that. Everyone was hanging on to what Kobe had said because it meant something, was true, and accurate, and it was fantastic to see Kobe.  

The throng shifted their gaze to the rafters, at Nos. 8 and 24. As the dark curtain began to fall, Pau shook his head in astonishment and shed tears. 

“The newest Lakers legend, No. 16, the great Pau Gasol,” LT proclaimed to the crowd, which was back on its feet.