On Tuesday night, Jimmy Butler surprised former teammate Pau Gasol with a visit to the Los Angeles Lakers jersey retirement ceremony for Gasol’s No. 16 jersey. Butler, who is currently with the Miami Heat, flew to Los Angeles between home games to celebrate with Gasol and then jetted back to Miami to prepare for the team’s Wednesday night game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The two were teammates with the Chicago Bulls from 2014 to 2016 and developed a close connection. Butler walked out to the arena floor with Gasol’s Lakers jersey draped over his shoulder and was seen embracing Gasol and his family.
“What’s this guy’s name? Pau?” Butler said about Gasol with a smile. “I’m here because of Pau, obviously. Congrats to my brother Pau. I love you man. Much deserved. Hall of Fame is coming soon. We all know it. Appreciate you for having me, my brother.”
Gasol played 150 games for the Bulls and averaged 17.6 points to go with 11.4 rebounds. Gasol’s jersey retirement was an emotional moment as it was placed in the rafters directly beside Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s Nos. 8 and 24.
It was an incredible gesture from Butler to fly to Los Angeles to celebrate with Gasol and the occasion was made even more special with his surprise visit. Gasol’s career accomplishments have been impressive, and his jersey retirement was a testament to his greatness and the impact he had on the game.
