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Pau Gasol remembers Kobe Bryant during emotional Lakers jersey retirement speech: 'I love you, brother'

Jordan Greer

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Pau Gasol remembers Kobe Bryant during emotional Lakers jersey retirement speech: 'I love you, brother' image

Back in late January, a month ahead of his Lakers jersey retirement ceremony, Pau Gasol told ESPN's Dave McMenamin that it's "impossible" to separate himself from Kobe Bryant when examining his incredible NBA career.

"My number goes up there, in big reason, because of him," Gasol said.

So, on Tuesday night, it was only right that the future Hall of Famer paid tribute to his dear friend in the same building that saw some of their most incredible performances together.

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The Lakers raised Gasol's No. 16 into the Crypto.com Arena rafters, placing it next to Bryant's Nos. 8 and 24. Gasol, who won two championships alongside Bryant, honored his former teammate during halftime of the game between Los Angeles and Memphis.

"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, challenge me to be a better player, just to be a better man overall," Gasol said. "I miss him so much like many of us do. I love him. I wish he was here with Gigi. I really do.

"But I think he'll be proud, and he was looking forward to this moment. So, I love you, brother."

Before Gasol's speech, the Lakers played a 2018 clip of Bryant talking about what would make the ceremony so special. Kobe's wife, Vanessa, introduced the clip in her first public appearance at Crypto.com Arena since the memorial service for Kobe, who died in a January helicopter crash with their daughter, Gianna, and seven others.

"When he retires, he will have his number in the rafters next to mine," Bryant said. "The reality is I don't win those championships without Pau. The city of LA doesn't have those two championships without Pau Gasol. We know that. Everybody knows that.

"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."

Gasol became just the 12th player in franchise history to have his jersey retired, joining other legendary big men such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, George Mikan and Shaquille O'Neal.

You can watch Gasol's full retirement speech below.

Jordan Greer

Jordan Greer Photo

Jordan Greer has been with The Sporting News since 2015. He previously worked for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He is a graduate of Westminster College and Syracuse University.