A Kobe Bryant championship ring is up for auction, but while collectors are happy to see a piece of history available in the market, the Los Angeles Lakers diehards are not.
For many, the Bryant memorabilia should have stayed with the family instead of being auctioned off to the highest bidder.
Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers Ring Is For Sale
The ring in question is from Bryant’s first-ever championship with the Lakers. The Black Mamba won it alongside Shaquille O’Neal back in the 1999-2000 season when they took down the Indiana Pacers in six games.
Sure enough, a ring of such gravity is expected to command a hefty price. But there’s one caveat, though: the ring is actually an extra copy issues to Bryant. Kobe apparently requested it in order to give to his dad.
Make no mistake, the ring is still an authentic player-issued one, not the usual staff ring or executive version ring issued to non-members of the roster. However, since it’s not the one that Bryant owns, the price isn’t expected to be as high as other Kobe game-used memorabilia that sold in auctions in the past.
Here’s a description of the item from Goldin where it is currently up for auction:
“Obviously proud of winning his very first NBA Championship, Kobe ordered an extra copy of the majestic ring he was issued to give to his father, Joe Bryant, as a special gift. This is not an executive version of the Championship ring, but the same EXACT ring given to Kobe Bryant and other Lakers players.
“… This ring is in Kobe’s ring size 11 ½ and weighs approximately 59.6 grams. This exquisite ring features a total of 40 diamonds, including five larger round diamonds on either side of the face, which display “LAKERS” filled with purple enamel. “WORLD CHAMPIONS” reads in relief lettering. The NBA league logo centers on one side, with the name “BRYANT” at the top and the number “8” at the bottom.”
The item description also noted that the item was obtained directly from the Bryant family. It comes with a letter of authenticity from Bryant’s mom, Pam Bryant.
While it’s unknown how much the item will sell for, it is worth noting that the current bidding on it at the time of writing is $94,000. The bidding ends at the end of March, so there is still plenty of time left.
Los Angeles Lakers Fans Are Not Happy With Kobe Bryant Disrespect
Several Los Angeles Lakers fans are not happy with Bryant’s parents selling the memorabilia, though. After all, it’s still a memory of the late Black Mamba.
“With all due respect, I would’ve kept this in the family. Like one of those that you pass down through the generations ngl. Have it locked away too,” a fan commented on KicksFinder’s post about the auction.
Another commenter said, “Kobe’s mama has been coming off like a villain for years now, B4 he even passed. I feel like this is something you’d keep for his children not put up for sale.”
“His mom really needs the money that badly? This whole thing is sad all the way around,” a disappointed X user shared.
A fourth supporter added, “Selling his first championship ring is crazy.. idc if it was his personal or not why would you sell that.”
It remains to be seen who’ll be able to obtain the ring, but for any Kobe Bryant fan, it’s definitely a must-have. As the Purple and Gold faithful said, though, it’s sad to see Kobe’s parents part ways with it.
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