Five years ago, Kobe Bryant envisioned a scene that played out at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night.
Standing tearfully in center court, former Lakers great Pau Gasol watched as his retired jersey was unveiled in the rafters next to No. 24 during halftime of the team’s game against the Grizzlies. It was a vision a smiling Bryant spoke into existence at an Oscar event in ’18.
“There is no debate. When he retires, he’ll have his number in the rafters next to mine,” Bryant said. “Reality is, I don’t win those championships without Pau. The city of L.A. doesn’t have those two championships without Pau. So, we know that, everybody knows that and 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. It’s going to be an awesome night.”
