Kobe Bryant's Dad Is Auctioning Off Championship Ring Gifted to Him by Late Star
Kobe Bryant’s father, Joe Bryant, is auctioning off the late NBA star’s first championship ring. Kobe gifted the ring to his father after winning it in the 2000 NBA championship. Goldin, who is holding the auction, reports that “this is not an executive version of the Championship ring, but the same exact ring given to Kobe Bryant and other Lakers players.”
Kobe died in January 2020 along with his daughter Gianna and seven others in a tragic helicopter crash. He ordered the ring as a special gift for his father after the Lakers prevailed over the Indiana Pacers to snatch 2000’s NBA title. Joe, nicknamed “Jellybean,” is a former NBA star himself, having played for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets.
The ring comes with a letter of certification from Kobe’s mother, Pam, and features a total of 40 diamonds. Five larger diamonds are included on either side of the face, which showcases “Lakers” against a purple enamel. “World Champions” appears on the top and bottom of the ring.
On one side of the ring is the NBA logo along with “Bryant” at the top and “8” at the bottom. Banners on either side of that logo feature 67–15, the Lakers’ 2000 season record, and the team's postseason win-loss record of 15–8.
An embossed basketball hoop, with diamonds comprising the basketball, is featured on the opposite panel, along with “Bling Ring” and “2000.” The inside of the ring is marked with 14K. It comes in Kobe’s size 11 ½ and weighs 59.6 grams.
“Obtained directly from the Bryant family, this ring is a true one-of-a-kind, and we can confirm that it is the only championship ring ever given by Kobe to his father,” according to Goldin.
Kobe’s relationship with his parents was partially strained. In 2013, he sued them for attempting to sell much of his NBA memorabilia, including the 2000 championship ring, saying they weren’t authorized to do such a thing. Pam and Joe later issued a statement in which they apologized to their son.
“We regret our actions and statements related to the Kobe Bryant auction memorabilia,” they said at the time. “We apologize for any misunderstanding and unintended pain we have caused our son and appreciate the financial support he has provided over the years.”
Bidding for Kobe’s 2000 championship ring ends on March 30. At the time of publishing, the auction stands at $141,000 with 19 bids.