Ball Don't Lie - NBA

Wed Oct 28, 2009 3:20 pm EDT

Lakers' new championship rings

One by one, Lakers players and coaches walked toward center court Tuesday night to receive their 2008-09 championship keepsake from David Stern and Lakers executive vice president Jeanie Buss.

Not the Larry O'Brien trophy — that stays with the owner Jerry Buss and the team. Not the franchise's 15th championship banner — that was unveiled (ever so slowly) in the rafters for the fans. And not even a free Jack in the Box coupon — those also went home with the hungry Lakers' faithful.

No, for the players, there was something even more coveted than a sloppy 99-cent taco — the bling, baby.

And for the curious cats out there, here are some key facts on Ms. Khloe Od— err, the Lakers' new rock:

The Jeweler: High-profile jeweler Jason of Beverly Hills created the rings from a special batch of 15-karat Laker gold to commemorate their 15th NBA championship. Most rings are 14-karat gold.

The Jewels: The ring is comprised of 15 diamonds weighing in at 2.85 carats. (Note: Khloe's is 9 carats.)

The Price: It's tough to say. Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times figures each ring is worth "at least $10,000." That sounds way too low. In fact, I know someone that knows someone who was given an "employee ring" a few years that was about $7,000 itself. I imagine the "player ice" is considerably more expensive. If I had to guess the Lakers' price tag, I'd say $30K.

The Design: This is cool: The ring mirrors the shape of the exterior of their home arena, the Staples Center. When viewed from the side, you can see the "roof" and "sides" of the Lakers' home court. Also, each player has an image of his face inscribed on the side of his ring, the first time such a feature had been included on NBA championship rings.

The Box: Yes, the box. When opened, each box has two built-in LED spotlights that actually shine on the ring. Oh, the ring is also mounted on a rotating mechanical platform. The box is basically a mini-nightclub.

Cheers, NBA.com.

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213 Comments

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  1. Phoenix H
    1. Posted by Phoenix H Wed Oct 28, 2009 3:50 pm EDT

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    Just another chocolate chip cookie LeBron won't have
    STOMACH GROWLIN'
  2. waterpolojustino
    2. Posted by waterpolojustino Wed Oct 28, 2009 3:56 pm EDT

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    all good except coloring in the logo...whyyy?
  3. Daniel
    3. Posted by Daniel Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:04 pm EDT

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    one more ring for 09/10! well, maybe a few more for years to come as well...
  4. FELIPE
    4. Posted by FELIPE Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:16 pm EDT

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    Odom's ring has khole on it. such a tool.
  5. cs
    5. Posted by cs Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:17 pm EDT

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    :)
  6. Smokin Joe Fraze
    6. Posted by Smokin Joe Fraze Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:30 pm EDT

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    Those are so sick but would've looked even better with the Magic's name on them. I agree with the one flaw being the coloring in of the NBA logo. Should've either kept it gold or colored it in with diamonds.
  7. FrostFuzz
    7. Posted by FrostFuzz Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:35 pm EDT

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    Lol at post #1
  8. OG Warrior Fan
    8. Posted by OG Warrior Fan Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:53 pm EDT

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    Is anybody aware of the trans-fat in Jack In The Box taco's and the rest of their food?
  9. Dwayne
    9. Posted by Dwayne Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:55 pm EDT

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    I want one
  10. Asmar
    10. Posted by Asmar Wed Oct 28, 2009 5:18 pm EDT

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    I don't care about the lakers but those rings are serious
  11. falcon
    11. Posted by falcon Wed Oct 28, 2009 5:36 pm EDT

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    as far as i'm concern the lakers earned their rings and many, many, many more to come
  12. Will
    12. Posted by Will Wed Oct 28, 2009 5:38 pm EDT

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    Wait, this actually looks better than the newly designed 2010 winter olympics models.. i meant, way better. DOHHHHHH!
  13. Duuuude
    13. Posted by Duuuude Wed Oct 28, 2009 5:40 pm EDT

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    damn that ring is sick, as a laker fan i demand one!
  14. cheekybecks19
    14. Posted by cheekybecks19 Wed Oct 28, 2009 5:41 pm EDT

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    it's not colored. the purple is a reflection from the mat
  15. traditions
    15. Posted by traditions Wed Oct 28, 2009 5:54 pm EDT

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    Trevor's ring has a picture of his agent on it with show me the money inscribed on the inside.
  16. traditions
    16. Posted by traditions Wed Oct 28, 2009 5:56 pm EDT

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    Jack Nicholson should get a ring cas he is a larger part of the team than the ball boy. I'm sorry equipment manager.
  17. hello
    17. Posted by hello Wed Oct 28, 2009 6:20 pm EDT

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    I don't like the purple color on the rings
  18. ErikV
    18. Posted by ErikV Wed Oct 28, 2009 6:38 pm EDT

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    Common. Everyone knows its TWO tacos for 99 cents.
  19. nena21
    19. Posted by nena21 Wed Oct 28, 2009 6:39 pm EDT

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    I love the ring, 3k too awesome. Now lets start making next year's rings.... Go Lakers!!!!!
  20. Claudio V
    20. Posted by Claudio V Wed Oct 28, 2009 6:51 pm EDT

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    sick ring, but purple on the first picture killed it (i know that the other pic are just reflections but this one is facing up) and i am not a lakers fan but they earned it.
  21. Frankie
    21. Posted by Frankie Wed Oct 28, 2009 6:52 pm EDT

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    Phill jackson must be over loaded with rings. from all his championship's team's
  22. Claudio V
    22. Posted by Claudio V Wed Oct 28, 2009 6:52 pm EDT

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    my bad, it is a reflection i just finished seeing the gallery
  23. EDDiE
    23. Posted by EDDiE Wed Oct 28, 2009 6:53 pm EDT

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    Lets go lakers!!!!!!
    bring another one home!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    badass ring love it
  24. Sheldon
    24. Posted by Sheldon Wed Oct 28, 2009 6:56 pm EDT

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    Go Laker go. I am one of your number one fan from Belize in Central America. I believe that you deserve it and I don't think that any other team will detrone you guys. One more ring.
  25. michael s
    25. Posted by michael s Wed Oct 28, 2009 6:57 pm EDT

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    I wish my team was capable if winning those...sigh... GO KNICKS ANYWAY!!!!!

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