A Kobe Bryant-Gifted NBA Championship Ring Sells for Nearly $1 Million

A Piece of History Finds a New Home

An NBA championship ring gifted by late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant to his father, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, has sold for $927,000, including the buyer's premium.

The ring was part of an auction of sports memorabilia held by Heritage Auctions in Beverly Hills, California. It fetched a far higher price than the estimated $71,365-$119,010 pre-auction estimate.

The ring is a size 15 and features 2.5 carats of diamonds set in 14-karat gold. It bears the Lakers logo and the words "World Champions" on the top, as well as Kobe Bryant's number 8 on the side.

Joe "Jellybean" Bryant played professional basketball in Italy and the United States before becoming a coach. He won two NBA championships as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983 and 1984.

A Lasting Legacy

The sale of the ring is a reminder of the enduring legacy of Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest basketball players of all time. It also serves as a testament to the close bond he shared with his father, who was a constant presence in his life both on and off the court.

The ring will now find a new home with a collector or enthusiast who will cherish it as a piece of basketball history and a reminder of the incredible talent and spirit of Kobe Bryant.