On Tuesday night, Vanessa Bryant visited the Los Angeles Lakers’ arena for the first time since her late husband Kobe Bryant’s memorial service in February 2020, but this time it was to honor his close friend and former teammate Pau Gasol.
The Lakers formally retired Gasol’s No. 16 jersey in a special ceremony. Gasol, 42, was a close friend of Kobe’s and has stood by Vanessa, 40, and her daughters — Natalia, 20, Bianka, 6, and Capri, 3 — since Kobe and Gianna died in a helicopter crash along with seven others on January 26, 2020.
During the ceremony, the Lakers owners and players talked about Gasol’s legacy on the team — from his two NBA championships and multiple All-Star Game appearances — and lifted his number to the rafters. Ahead of the ceremony, Gasol talked about how he would not be in this position without Kobe and would be thinking of him throughout the night.
“It’s impossible [to separate],” Gasol said. “It’s inevitable. I don’t know how. … My number goes up there, in big reason, because of him. And also how he made me better, how he made us better, how he led us in those runs, and the effect that he had. And then obviously not having him here with us, it’s tough.”
Vanessa had not been back to the Los Angeles arena since Kobe and Gianna’s memorial service. She delivered a heartbreaking eulogy to her husband and their 13-year-old daughter that day.
“They were so easy to love. Everyone naturally gravitated toward them. They were funny, happy, silly, and they loved life. They were so full of joy and adventure,” Vanessa told the packed arena.
“God knew they couldn’t be on this earth without each other. He had to bring them home to have them together,” said Vanessa before telling her late husband: “Babe, you take care of our Gigi. And I got Nani, B.B. and Koko. We’re still the best team. May you both rest in peace and have fun in Heaven until we meet again one day. We love you both and miss you. Forever and always, Mommy,” Vanessa said of Kobe and Gianna.
After the ceremony, Gasol gave a statement to reporters, saying, “He definitely inspired me and showed me what it took to be the best player that you could be. The work ethic, the dedication, the mindset going into it. He challenged me to be better with his actions and with his work. He was very intentional with his actions.”
The Lakers organization showed their appreciation for Gasol by making a video tribute, with current and former Lakers players, including Kobe, sharing their thoughts about Gasol’s impact on the game.
