In 2008, Pau Gasol was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Grizzlies traded Gasol and a 2010 second-round pick — which turned out to be Devin Ebanks — for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, 2008, and 2010 first-round draft picks and the draft rights to Marc Gasol.
Gasol played with the Lakers for seven seasons, helping deliver two championships and being a three-time all-star. During his years in LA, Gasol averaged 17.7 points per game, 52.2% of shooting from the field, 9.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game. Gasol’s passing ability helped players such as Andrew Bynum, Derek Fisher, and Ron Artest thrive in Phil Jackson’s triangle offense.
The late, great Kobe Bryant said that if it weren’t for Pau, the Lakers would not have been able to win back-to-back championships. Kobe and Pau had very strong chemistry on and off the basketball court. They got along and worked well with each other. They were one of the greatest duos of all-time.
There have been rumors about Pau Gasol returning to Los Angeles to play in purple and gold, one last time before retiring. The rumors began to spark after he had an interview with Ryan Ward. Here’s what he had to say.
“It’s something that has been on my mind. Kind of like the potential of maybe finishing or playing my last year with the Lakers would be great. It’s appealing if you will, but the opportunity never really kind of presented itself in a serious official manner.”
It would be great if Pau returns to LA and plays with the Lakers for one last season, hopefully capturing his third ring. No matter what, when it’s all said and done, Pau Gasol will go down in the history books as an essential piece to the Lakers’ success, and he will go down as a champion.
The Lakers should retire Pau Gasol’s jersey when he retires. As mentioned earlier, he had a big part in the Lakers’ success, winning two championships, being a three-time all-star, and creating more opportunities for his teammates with his passing ability, helping the Lakers win games. Most Laker fans, teammates, head coach, Phil Jackson, and of course, the late great Kobe Bryant would all say Pau has earned the right to have his jersey retired by the Lakers.
Pau is a leader, and without a doubt, he should have his jersey hanging in the rafters.
The Lakers only retire players in the Hall of Fame. I think honestly that is what it will come down to. If he is elected to the Hall the team will follow suit I would believe.