Lakers get championship rings with empty arena, full hearts
LeBron James displays his fourth championship ring.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers received their NBA championship rings Tuesday night in an empty arena that still felt filled with warmth from their families, friends and millions of fans worldwide.
As they adorned their fingers with the dazzlingly spectacular jewelry, the Lakers pledged to throw a proper celebration for their 17th championship as soon as attendance is possible for everyone.
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss addressed the team’s fans directly, saying, “I want to take a moment to speak to Lakers fans: We miss you dearly. The team feels your absence, but we’ll reunite soon. And when we do, we’ll have a special celebration.”
A mere 72 days after LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the rest of their team defeated the Miami Heat in the NBA bubble, the Lakers, following the shortest offseason in the history of the league, were back to claim their prize. The coaches, executives, and 11 players from last season’s victorious team were presented with their rings at the Staples Center in a short, heartfelt ceremony, before they played their regular season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The banner commemorating their 17th championship will not be raised until fans can be present in Staples Center to witness it. Currently, a black banner saying “STAY TUNED, LAKERS FAMILY” is hanging in the place where the championship banner will eventually be displayed.
The ring ceremonies adhered to social distancing guidelines which were fitting for 2020. Short, emotional introduction videos of the Lakers’ players and coaches’ families were shown before the players individually approached a podium to collect their rings.
Lakers get their championship rings before talking on the Clippers.
Davis received enthusiastic support from his parents, who expressed their pride in his myriad of basketball achievements. James’ mother, uncles, and children offered him virtual congratulations before he celebrated his victory by joyfully raising four fingers, symbolizing his four NBA titles won with three different franchises.
As a tribute to Kobe Bryant, general manager Rob Pelinka placed his ring on his right hand and made a 2 and 4 sign with his fingers.
“Last year, you demonstrated the incredible things a talented group can achieve when they fully embrace teamwork,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel addressed his players. “To our supporters, we eagerly anticipate the time when it’s safe for you to return to Staples Center. We look forward to performing and celebrating our achievements with you. We are grateful for your support and we love you.”
Just as he did for the 2009 and 2010 championship teams led by Bryant, Pau Gasol, and coach Phil Jackson, Jason of Beverly Hills, the Lakers’ customary jeweler, crafted the rings.
In their first season as partners on the West Coast, James and Davis spearheaded the Lakers to victory in the NBA’s Florida bubble. They achieved James’ fourth championship and Davis’ first, by making a 16-5 postseason run that clinched the title.
The Lakers openly expressed their disappointment as they celebrated their entire offseason without fans due to the coronavirus pandemic. They were denied a parade in downtown Los Angeles, and no fans filled the Staples stands to appreciate the franchise’s sixth championship since the downtown building opened in 1999.
“NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated, “These are clearly extraordinary times and the ring ceremony is quite different without fans. To all the Laker fans, we assure you that we will compensate for this. We will conduct another ceremony when the fans can be present in the building.”
Buss and Vogel also took the opportunity to express their gratitude to the Lakers players who left during the short offseason. These include JaVale McGee, Danny Green, Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley, JR Smith, Dion Waiters, Troy Daniels, and DeMarcus Cousins.
Buss stated, “Securing No. 17 eternally integrates you into the Lakers’ legacy, just like you are eternally integrated into ours.”
At least one member of the Miami Heat, Bradley, who declined to join the Lakers in the bubble last summer due to family health issues and subsequently signed with the Lakers’ NBA Finals opponent in the offseason, was keen to witness the Lakers’ ring celebration.
Bradley stated that he planned to watch the ceremony on television. The Heat were in Orlando on Tuesday night, getting ready for their opener against the Magic on Wednesday.
“I texted Kyle Kuzma this morning,” Bradley shared on Tuesday. “He’s quite thrilled about the ceremony. I’m looking forward to it for them. I invested a lot of effort with that team last year and it’s a memory that will always be with me.”
Bradley has been fitted for a ring, but it was unclear on Tuesday precisely when he would receive it. The Heat are set to visit the Lakers on Feb. 20, which could be a logical time for Bradley to receive the ring.
