The Goldin platform, a specialist in the auction of collectibles, can enjoy its enormous success with this new record sale for a unique object, the first NBA championship ring of Kobe Bryant won in 2000 after the final against Reggie Miller's Pacers. The ring was given by Kobe Bryant to his father. One might well wonder what motivated the “Black Mamba” family to part with such a jewel. Still, it found a buyer, and at a high price.
The auction went up to nearly a million dollars, reaching a record price of $927,000. It thus dethrones Bill Russell's 1957 champion ring which went for $705,000 in 2021.
“Obtained directly from the Bryant family, this ring is a truly one-of-a-kind piece, and we can confirm that it is the only championship ring given by Kobe to his father,” Goldin said.
During his lifetime, Kobe was against the sale
The ring is 14-karat gold and contains 40 diamonds, the Lakers logo and the (controversial) slogan “World Champions” on the front. On one side of the ring are the words “Ring Bling” and the year the Lakers won, while on the other side are the words “Lakers” and “World Champions.” We also find the team's records that season (67-15 and 15-8) as well as the number 8 worn by Kobe Bryant, under the ring.
As a reminder, Kobe Bryant had a very complicated relationship with his parents, and even sued them in 2013 during a first attempt to sell his personal effects (including the famous championship ring), pushing his parents to do backtracked and apologized in a press release. Eleven years later, their second attempt was successful…
