Pau Gasol, along with Sue Bird in the All Star.
The night at United began with easy tears, and before all the presentations, Kobe Bryant was remembered with an emotional video and David Stern. The tribute highlighted the work of promoting basketball by both. The legend of the Lakers inspiring worldwide, the former commissioner of the NBA opening the borders and promoting opportunities in areas further away from level basketball. Some of those boys who fell in love with this sport thanks to the two of them were on the parquet floor of United Center on Friday night.
Pau Gasol was the protagonist in the presentation of the rookies game. Microphone in hand and holding the tears, reminded his friend Kobe and highlighted his legacy. It was one of the many tributes that the Lakers legend will receive in Chicago.
“Hello everyone, welcome to the All Star 2020. We are very excited to be here in Chicago for this weekend, but before it starts we have to remember the losses suffered this year by the NBA family“Gasol began.” The death of the Commissioner David Stern, and the tragic accident … That ended the life of my dear friend and former partner Kobe Bryantof his precious daughter Gigi and others seven people. Some facts that have left us with a broken heart. I know that their deaths weigh in the hearts of everyone in the sport and especially in the NBA family. “
By his side, Sue Bird, star of the women's league: “The contributions of David and Kobe to the NBA, the WNBA and the entire world of basketball are countless. We would not be here if it were not for David, whose spoiled child was this idea of the All Star. And Kobe … 18 All Star, 4 MVPs … as their impact on the league and in this sport, they won't be forgotten, “said the player before Pau followed.
The fans, at the emotion of the moment, began to scream “Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!”
“That's it,” replied the Spanish, visibly excited.
“This competition is global now thanks to David and Kobe. I am proud to have worked with them and to have been their friend. The All Star weekend is an event where love for basketball is celebrated, something that both personified. I know you both want us to enjoy being here. Competing, having fun. That we will say it all. These days will be a tribute to your respective legacies. My older brother Kobe just say that you always have to do things that are so we celebrate a peak weekend in his honor. Thank you”.
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