Marc Gasol Releases Heartfelt Message on First Game Back in Memphis as Laker

The Los Angeles Lakers played against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, and Marc Gasol had his first game against the team as a Laker. The veteran returned to Memphis for the first time since joining the Lakers. He had nothing but gratitude for the Grizzlies. Gasol spent the first decade of his career with the team.

Following the game, Gasol talked about his first game in Memphis in 2019. The team traded him to the Toronto Raptors to get C.J. Miles, Jonas Valančiūnas, Delon Wright, and a 2024 second-round draft pick. Of course, he didn’t get a chance to play against the Grizzlies while wearing the Raptors uniform.

“Obviously I’m very thankful for the franchise has for me not just now for the recognition but throughout the years that I was here.”

Marc Gasol is doing a great job as a Laker

It was definitely awkward for Gasol to get ready in the visitor’s locker room. He couldn’t drain a 3-pointer in the first quarter to make the whole thing even better.

“Before the ball was tipped, maybe a little. It a little awkward being on the different locker room, warming up on the opposite side, all that kind of stuff. Once the ball goes up, it’s game time. It’s completely different. I wish I just hit one of those threes. That would’ve made it much, much better.”

Gasol played 769 regular-season games in Memphis. He was averaging 15.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. The veteran was named an All-Star in three occasions. Gasol got the All-NBA honors twice and became the Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.

The Lakers are on a good way to win another title. They did it last year and players will try their hardest to do the same. Lakers players have won five games in the regular season and it looks like players have built nice relationship on the basketball floor.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis will lead the Lakers to another title, and hopefully, they will stay healthy enough to finish the season and make the deep postseason.