In a move that has caught the attention of basketball fans and collectors alike, the 2000 NBA Championship ring that once belonged to the late Kobe Bryant is now up for auction. This piece of sports history was originally gifted by Bryant to his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, and represents not just a significant athletic achievement, but also a personal token from a son to his father.
The ring symbolizes Kobe Bryant’s first NBA title, which he won during the 1999-2000 season with the Los Angeles Lakers after defeating the Indiana Pacers in the Finals. It’s a testament to the Lakers’ legacy and Bryant’s indelible mark on the game of basketball. The decision to auction the ring comes from Kobe’s parents and has been made available through Goldin, a leading auction house known for its sales of sports memorabilia.
Offered here is the very 14K gold 2000 Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers NBA championship ring gifted by Kobe to his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, who played eight seasons in the NBA and recorded a career scoring average of 8.7 points per game. 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.
The auctioning of this ring is particularly poignant given the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant in January 2020. Since then, items associated with the basketball legend have seen a surge in interest, with fans eager to own a piece of his storied career. The ring, made of 14k gold and encrusted with diamonds, is not just a collector’s item but a piece of the Bryant family’s history.
The auction is set to conclude on March 30th, and with the current bidding price already significant, it’s expected to climb as enthusiasts and collectors place their bids. The sale includes a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) from Kobe’s mother, Pam Bryant, adding to the authenticity and value of the ring.