Current status
As of 2025, Pau Gasol does not have any officially retired jersey numbers league-wide. He remains an active ambassador for basketball and humanitarian work, but his playing career has ended. It is possible individual teams may honor him in the future with a raised banner or ceremony, but no franchise has yet retired his jersey or committed to doing so. This status clarifier explains what retired numbers require and where Gasol stands today.
What it means to retire a jersey
Retiring a jersey is an organization-level decision that removes a number from circulation and permanently honors a person’s contributions to that franchise. It is not a league-wide honor, and each team sets its own criteria and process. A retired number often becomes a circular patch on a player’s jersey, appears on arena displays, and may be referenced in Hall of Fame materials or franchise histories.
- Unilateral decision: the team or organization retires the number, not the player or the league.
- No league-wide honor: retiring a number is specific to one franchise (or one G League/NBA 2K League entity in rare cases).
- Symbolic permanence: once retired, the number is typically not reissued, though policies can change over decades.
Pau Gasol career overview
Pau Gasol played 19 NBA seasons after being drafted in 2001, earning two NBA championships (2009, 2010) with the Los Angeles Lakers, an NBA Finals MVP (2009), and multiple All-Star selections. Key teams include the Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Clippers. His accolades include two championships, an Finals MVP, four All-NBA selections, and a reputation as a skilled big man with strong passing and shooting for his size.
Teams and numbers
| Team | Jersey number(s) | Years with team |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis Grizzlies | 33 | 2001–2008 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 33 | 2008–2014, 2019–2020 |
| Chicago Bulls | 33 | 2014–2016 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 10 | 2016–2019 |
| Dallas Mavericks | 10 | 2019–2020 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 10 | 2020–2021 |
Retired jersey status for Gasol’s numbers
No team has retired Gasol’s jersey number league-wide as of 2025. The Lakers have honored his legacy with banners and moments, but they have not formally retired No. 33. The Bulls and Spurs have not taken similar actions for No. 33 or No. 10, respectively. Status remains potential rather than confirmed, subject to future team decisions.
Honors and legacy outside retired numbers
Even without retired numbers, Gasol’s impact is recognized through All-Star selections, All-NBA teams, Olympic and World Championship gold medals, and his influential role in international basketball. Teams may use banners, video tributes, or community initiatives to acknowledge his contributions without retiring a jersey. His leadership and versatility continue to be celebrated in basketball media and by front offices referencing his career as a model for skilled big men.
Future possibilities and what to watch
Number retirements can happen years after a player leaves a franchise, especially when the player holds iconic status and a meaningful connection to the city or organization. Gasol’s work in philanthropy, diplomacy, and community engagement may increase the likelihood of future honors. Front offices, anniversaries, or special nights provide natural opportunities for teams to retire or acknowledge his numbers. Fans and media coverage can keep these considerations alive.