Kobe Bryant’s message to Pau Gasol
At the 2018 Oscars ceremony, Kobe Bryant recorded a message about Pau Gasol’s jersey retirement. Five years later, it happened.
Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant recorded a message to his friend and former teammate Pau Gasol in 2018. Two years later, Bryant passed away in a plane accident. Three years after that, Gasol got to see the message.
Kobe Bryant’s message to Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol had his jersey retired on Tuesday and during the ceremony, Kobe’s pre-recorded message to Gasol was shown. In the video, Kobe predicts that Gasol’s jersey will be hanging up next to his someday.
“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,” said Bryant in the video.
It was an emotional moment, not only because of the jersey retirement, but because Bryant was not around to witness it.
“I really look forward to the day when he’s there giving his speech at center court,” said Bryant. “It’s gonna be an awesome night.”
Gasol talked about Bryant before the event, expressing how much he misses his friend. When the message was played, Gasol teared up. It is clear that Bryant felt extreme pride for his teammate.