Breaking: All of the Lakers’ best and worst players have declared their retirements.
With Anthony Davis leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a victory over the Grizzlies and Pau Gasol retiring his No. 16 jersey, Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena was one to remember.
The entire evening revolved around Gasol, who, along with Kobe Bryant, helped lead the Lakers to two titles in 2009 and 2010, earning his place in the annals of Lakers greats.
Seeing another legendary big man honored in that manner may have inspired Davis, as he had one of his best games of the year in the 112-103 win, recording 30 points, 22 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
In a Laker uniform, Davis is beginning to carve out a wonderful legacy of his own. Following the game, he disclosed that he had discussed with Gasol his desire to have his No. 3 jersey retired eventually.
Indeed, Davis remarked, “I really told Pau [Gasol] that I hope to be up there as well.” “He deserves to be up there with the list of big men who came through the organization, dominated, and left their mark. It’s a huge honor to be up there with the greats.
” It’s difficult to ignore the thought. It goes without saying that I want to be in that group and that category, and when my body tells me to stop playing, I hope to be able to return here and have the same ceremony that Pau, the other big men, and other former Lakers have had.
It is a genuine honor for him. I also got to see Marc [Gasol]. I’m glad for him. I am thankful to be a part of this organization that has produced so much outstanding talent.
Given that he won a championship in his first season with the Lakers in 2019–20, Davis is undoubtedly well on his way to having his jersey retired by the team. In order to have their jersey retired, players must be inducted into the Hall of Fame, and Davis is well on his way there after being named an All-Star eight times and an NBA All-Star four times before the age of thirty.
But for the time being, Davis and the Lakers are focused on returning to the title game this season. His timely surge has been instrumental in the team’s recent turnaround. His jersey will undoubtedly one day join Gasol and the other greats in the Crypto.com Arena rafters if he can win another championship for the Los Angeles Clippers.
