Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Former Los Angeles Lakers player Pau Gasol has always been highly regarded, not only as an all-time great on the court, but also as an extraordinary human being off it. Gasol has always been extremely proud of his Spanish heritage and has represented his country in numerous different events.

With the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris getting underway, there are a number of ceremonies taking place and one of the most famous is holding the Olympic torch. And despite not competing in the games, Gasol was still able to represent Spain with this prestigious honour.

Gasoline went to social media to show a video of him at the Athletes Village in France with the Olympic torch, another great and memorable moment for the Hall of Famer:

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It was an unforgettable experience to arrive at the athletes village with the Olympic torch 🙌♥️ #Paris2024 #Olympics photo.twitter.com/9pPMUIYEm8

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) July 26, 2024

While Gasol is best known for helping the Lakers win back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010, he also has a long international basketball career. He led his native Spain to back-to-back silver medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, while also leading his country to a gold medal at the 2006 FIBA ​​World Cup. Additionally, Gasol led Spain to three Eurobasket gold medals in 2009, 2011, and 2015.

To be one of the people to carry the Olympic torch is something special and it’s clear from the look on Gasol’s face that he truly cherishes this opportunity. Not many people get to do this kind of thing and Gasol is someone who truly deserves all of these accolades.

He will always be remembered as one of the best Lakers ever, which is why his jersey hangs in the rafters. But he has done so much more internationally and is the perfect representative for his country.

Lakers’ Anthony Davis says playing for Team USA at the Olympics reminds him of his time with Kentucky

Pau Gasol will of course be hoping that his home country of Spain will take home gold in basketball, but it is Team USA who are the favorites to do so. One of the best players during Team USA’s exhibitions was undoubtedly Lakers player Anthony Davis and the role he has had on this Olympic team is one he has had in the past.

Davis recently spoke about this, saying that his role with Team USA reminds him of his time at Kentucky, where he “dominated” primarily through his defense and rebounding. He feels that his and the other Team USA players’ presence will help the team tremendously in controlling the paint.

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