LOS ANGELES >> The reunion normally triggered nostalgia both for his affection for the Lakers and Kobe Bryant.
This time, San Antonio forward Pau Gasol had emotions centered on something different. Even without Bryant’s presence, Gasol considered it “very meaningful” to play Friday against the Lakers at Staples Center partly because he saw Lakers coach Luke Walton, a former teammate from 2008 to 2012.
“I’m real happy for him that he turned out to be a very good head coach so far,” Gasol said. “I wish him nothing but the best for many many years, hopefully here.