Lakers Legend Pau Gasol Reacts To Rudy Fernández News

NBA legend Pau Gasol sent out a post on Instagram after Rudy Fernández retired.

Jan 16, 2009; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol (16) reacts during the game against the Orlando Magic at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday, Spain lost to Canada by a score of 88-85 at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

With the loss, Spain's run has come to an end (they finished 1-2).

For the second year in a row, Canada has eliminated Spain from the big stage tournament 😳🇨🇦 #Paris2024

2023 World Cup | 88-85
2024 Olympics | 88-85 pic.twitter.com/jmc6aGlcvk

— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) August 2, 2024

Rudy Fernández has now played in his final game.

Via NBACentral: "Rudy Fernández is retiring from the game of basketball

One of the greatest international hoopers of all time 👏"

Rudy Fernández is retiring from the game of basketball

One of the greatest international hoopers of all time 👏 pic.twitter.com/wVsTyiDoVH

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 2, 2024

Following the news, NBA legend Pau Gasol sent out a post on Instagram that had over 23,000 likes in four hours.

Gasol (translated to English): "LEGEND of our sport!!! We've been through all colors and I can say any qualification is short for your great career on and off the national team. @rudy5fernandez!! will miss you very, very, very much #LaFamilia Although your example and legacy will always be there. ❤️ #Leyenda #histórico"

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pau (@paugasol)

Fernandez played four seasons in the NBA for the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers.

He most recently played in the league during the 2011-12 season.

His career averages were 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per contest while shooting 39.9% from the field and 36.0% from the three-point range in 249 regular season games.

Rudy Fernandez's playing career is over.

One of the best FIBA resumes ever. pic.twitter.com/JEHudcNHeG

— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) August 2, 2024

On the other hand, Gasol is one of the best NBA players of all time.

The Hall of Famer spent 18 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks.

His career averages were 17.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.6 blocks per contest while shooting 50.7% from the field and 36.8% from the three-point range in 1,226 games.