Rafael Nadal has praised the greatness of Pau Gasol, as the Spanish tennis icon acknowledged that it is «unbelievable» to see a Spanish basketball player see his jersey retired by the iconic Los Angeles Lakers. Before the trade deadline in February 2008, the Lakers traded for Gasol.
That move changed everything for the Lakers, who reached three straight NBA Finals in Gasol’s first three seasons in Los Angeles. The Lakers lost the 2008 NBA Finals but won back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010.
Gasol, who played for the Lakers for six years, played an important role in the Lakers’ run to championships in 2009 and 2010. Gasol’s jersey will now be retired by the Lakers, and Gasol’s No. 16 jersey will no longer be worn by any other player. the Lakers.
Nadal congratulates Gasol
“For the Los Angeles Lakers to retire Pau Gasol’s jersey is incredible to me. He is a non-American, on a team that is probably the most iconic in NBA history.
That they withdraw the shirt of a player who is not American, who is Spanish, and someone who personally has experienced it very closely, makes me very excited. I think it’s a day to celebrate and be proud of what he has accomplished.
This shows what Pau is and what Pau has meant for the most important league in the world, in a sport in which things like this were very distant years ago,» said Nadal in a video posted on his Twitter.
Great Pau!!!!!!!
Congratulations on this immense honor! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/o9FyBxGqgn — Rafael Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 7, 2023
Meanwhile, Nadal remains sidelined after injuring his hip in Australia. Last week, Nadal announced his withdrawal from Indian Wells and Miami.
«It’s been a while since I haven’t communicated with you guys. I took my time off, started rehabilitation, gym and physiotherapy as per doctors instructions. Preparing to return in the best condition. I’m sad that I won’t be able to compete in Indian Wells or Miami.
Very sad not to be there. I will miss all my American fans but hope to see you later this year during the summer season,» Nadal wrote on Twitter last week.
