While the Lakers won in dramatic fashion Thursday night in double overtime against the Chicago Bulls, the big storyline of the night was Pau Gasol‘s return to the Staples Center in his first match-up in Los Angeles against the Lakers since leaving this past summer.
His return was greeted with a tribute video and a standing ovation from the fans, a moment Gasol said was emotional and required him a few moments to recollect himself.
Pau was "emotional" to be appreciated by Lakers. Said it took him time to transition to game. "Thankful to the organization and the fans."
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) January 30, 2015
Prior to the game, Gasol met with former teammate and close friend Kobe Bryant, a meeting the Spaniard did not expect to happen. With Bryant having had surgery on his torn rotator cuff, Gasol did not expect his former teammate to make an appearance on the night.
While Bryant did not stay for the originally planned address to the crowd prior to the game, he did have a private conversation with Gasol pre-game, a moment the now-Bull greatly appreciated.
Pau on Kobe coming to Staples a day after surgery to see him tonight: "I really appreciate it. I didn't expect it at all."
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) January 30, 2015
Pau met w Kobe pregame "didnt expect it all...incredible gesture on his part"
— Beto Durán (@DuranSports) January 30, 2015
As most recall, Gasol left the Lakers this summer despite numerous contract offers from the Lakers during free agency, instead choosing to sign with a contender in the Bulls in hopes of winning one last title.
However, the Lakers’ treatment of Gasol during his final years in LA certainly left a sour taste in his mouth. Starting with the failed trade for Chris Paul and lasting until the end of his time in LA, Gasol’s name was constantly in the middle of trade rumors with the Lakers constantly shopping the big man.
In the end, the two sides seem to have moved on in a professional manner, with the Lakers honoring Gasol with commemorative shirts and the aforementioned tribute video. Also, according to this Kevin Ding piece, the Lakers do plan on retiring Gasol’s jersey upon his retirement. On Gasol’s behalf, quite unsurprisingly, he’s had nothing but nice words to say about the Lakers despite his treatment late in his time here.
Next: Lakers Rumors: Marc Gasol Unlikely To Sign This Summer?
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