Pau Gasol (Barcelona, 1980) is already starting to get a little nervous in the days until March 7, when the Los Angeles Lakers will retire their number 16 jersey and face the Memphis Grizzlies. The team where Sant Boi from Barça started his successful career. The former center expresses his feelings to SPORT about what happened to him.
Pau, can you imagine your trick retiring to the Lakers?
I could never have imagined this. It undoubtedly exceeds my vision of what I can achieve and is a message that if things are done right, you can achieve anything no matter how difficult it may seem. It is undoubtedly a great honor and it is still difficult for me to accept and understand the enormity of what this action means.
How do you think you will react at that moment?
I think I will cry because at that moment a very intense series of emotions will run through my body that will come together. Every day he approaches my body, he blames it…
It’s going to be a few very special moments, isn’t it?
Definitely. My intention is to thank the many people who helped me, especially my family, for feeling that they were a part of the moment. It’s hard to describe the immortalization of your name with such a distinguished cast of players.
Do you think you can win another championship with Kobe?
Honestly, I would like to earn more, but I don’t know. You should judge life by what you’ve accomplished and thank everyone who’s been on my way to achieve it, and it’s not easy to win two NBA championships in a row.
a special relationship
What made the relationship with Kobe Bryant so special?
We complete each other very well. Our ‘timing’ on the pitch and our desire to win, to be the best player, was brutal. The results were with us and this relationship on the track was transcended outside and I am still living with his family.
I guess the culmination of this whole moment will be to be inducted into the Hall of Fame?
In appreciation of my career in the NBA; there is nothing bigger. They’ve recently identified me as a finalist, and that, along with what I’m going to experience with the Lakers, would be a tough choice to handle.
It’s hard to describe the immortalization of your name with such a distinguished cast of players.
He had a lead role in All Star. Do you see yourself close to having a leading role in any NBA franchise?
The NBA continues to fascinate me and I love exploring options for the future and it’s true that I already have a team in mind. A few teams are interested but nothing can be determined yet.
Pau, you lead many projects. How do you achieve everything?
Although I was able to achieve this because of the support of my family and an extraordinary work team, it is with the illusion and desire to do what interests and excites me. No more secrets.
Looking for time for golf now?
Yes, I loved the experience with the pros and it certainly won’t be the last.