The Los Angeles Lakers have been represented by some of the best basketball players in the league’s history. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and many more. As the franchise with the highest number of championship trophies, other than the Boston Celtics, the Lakers have built an incredible legacy as an NBA team. Evidently, the purple and gold franchise recently witnessed yet another historic moment that drew reactions from several NBA athletes, including basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal.

On March 7, the Lakers went up against the Memphis Grizzlies after their big win against the Warriors. The Grizzlies, who are currently involved in the Ja Morant controversy, fell short of Anthony Davis’ team and lost the game by 103-112. The Lakers’ home court erupted in cheers following their second straight win. However, it was not the only memorable event that took place in the arena.

Lakers retire Jersey no. 16

On Tuesday night, thousands of fans gathered at the Crypto.com Arena and witnessed the Los Angeles Lakers retire NBA legend Pau Gasol’s jersey. The ceremony took place during the halftime of the Lakers vs Grizzlies game. It was an emotional night for Gasol as he looked up at his jersey hung beside his closest pal Kobe Bryant’s No 24 jersey. The 42-year-old Spaniard was probably the only teammate who managed to build a close bond with the Black Mamba.

Therefore, it was only fair that one of the biggest moments of his life was shared with Kobe’s family as well. In presence of the Gasol family, Vanessa, and Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, the 2x NBA champion gave a heartfelt speech, expressing his gratitude for the honor.

READ MORE – “I Completely Froze Mentally and Emotionally”: Pau Gasol Opens Up On The Death of Kobe Bryant

Following that, several basketball superstars congratulated Gasol for reaching a major milestone. Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal shared an edited photo, originally uploaded by Basketball Forever, of Kobe and Gasol on his Instagram stories as a tribute to their iconic partnership.

Similarly, Golden State Warriors superstar Klay Thompson shared a collage of Gasol, Kobe, and their retired jerseys with words of appreciation on his social media handle. Additionally, 6x NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler, who was present at the Lakers’ home court, congratulated Gasol through a short clip.

Shaquille O’Neal reacts to Gasol’s jersey retirement

As the Lakers’ ceremony concluded, the hosts of NBA on TNT talked about the significant event on their latest episode. After WNBA star Candace Parker and NBA veteran Jamal Crawford talked about Gasol’s achievement and his run with the Lakers. Following that, Shaquille O’Neal gave his thoughts on the 6x All-Star and shared that he was happy for him.

Furthermore, he also said, “A lot of credit should go to Jerry West. Jerry West made it real sweet for the Lakers to a couple of more championship. He [Gasol] was definitely two of the one-two punch and they had a really good team, Lamar, Bynum, himself. But I’m happy for him [Gasol]. Anybody that can be up there…I’m happy for him.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Kobe Bryant’s best Lakers teammates featuring Shaquille O’Neal to Pau Gasol

Gasol is the 12th NBA athlete whose jersey was retired by the Lakers franchise. His jersey now hangs proudly alongside legends such as Wilt Chamberlain, Jamaal Wilkes, James Worthy, and several others.