Lakers teammates received their championship rings on Tuesday evening prior to their Clippers match. The usual ring ceremony was absent due to the teams decision to postpone the traditional event until fans are able to return to the venue.
“We won’t be unveiling a banner because we want to wait for the fans on that. When you win a championship the championship has a lot of quote- un quote owners. A championship belongs to the team, it belongs to the players, it belongs to the fans” stated Lakers president of business operations Tim Harris.
“And then the stuff that comes with a championship, the assets that come with a championship, it’s kind of like the ownership group are the caretakers of the trophy. And the rings when you win a championship, those belong to the players. And the banner when you win a championship belongs to the fans. That’s kind of how I look at it.”
The 16.45 carat rings were virtually bestowed by special guest including essential workers and held a remarkable honor this year. They gave a nod to various causes including social justice reform while also honoring the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna who died in a helicopter crash in January. Beverly Hills jeweler, Jason Arasheben was responsible for the moving creation and detailed the rings design.
“We created a removable top that exposes the rafters that are up in the Staples Center with (jerseys of) all of the retired Lakers greats, with a special emphasis put on Kobe’s No. 8 and No.24 jersey, and it’s set on a snakeskin” revealing that he developed a ball bearing system to allow the top of the ring to be taken off.
The gems had “unity” and “Leave a Legacy” etched in Lebron James handwriting whom was recently selected as “Time’s” -Athlete of The Year and also received the Sports Illustrated “Muhammad Ali Legacy Award” for his outstanding efforts with social activism. James posted a heartfelt tribute to Bryant shortly after receiving the ring that said “Love and miss you my brother!!!! #Mamba4Life”
BY: BEWITTY Staff
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