Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, father of the late Kobe Bryant, has decided to auction off Kobe’s 2000 Los Angeles Lakers NBA championship ring.
Kobe, known for his generosity, had gifted his parents his first NBA championship ring. Reports suggest that back in 2013, the Bryant family had contemplated selling it, along with several other prized memorabilia items. However, they eventually withdrew the ring from the market, choosing to retain this symbol of Kobe’s monumental achievement.
Interestingly, the ring-up for auction is not the original team-issued executive version. Instead, it’s a duplicate that Kobe personally ordered at the time, intending it as a special gift for his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant.
The auction, hosted by Goldin Auctions, is currently ongoing until March 30. As of early Thursday afternoon, the highest bid stands at $94,000.
Described as “obtained directly from the Bryant family,” this ring holds a unique significance. It is confirmed as the only championship ring ever bestowed by Kobe upon his father.
Crafted from 14-karat gold, the ring weighs 59.6 grams and boasts an array of 40 diamonds. Its design is adorned with the words “WORLD CHAMPIONS,” “LAKERS,” “BRYANT,” and the whimsical addition of “BLING BLING.”
