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.
While they adorned their fingers with the dazzlingly brilliant jewelry, the Lakers pledged to throw a genuine party for their 17th championship as soon as everyone is able to attend.
“I’d like to take a moment to address our Lakers fans directly: Your absence is deeply felt,” stated Jeanie Buss, the owner of the Lakers. “The team yearns for your presence, but we trust that we will reunite soon. And when that reunion happens, we’ll have something extraordinary to celebrate.”
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 came back from the shortest offseason in NBA history to receive their prize. The coaches, executives, and the 11 players who returned from the previous season’s champion team were presented with their rings at the Staples Center in a short yet heartfelt ceremony, just before their regular season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The unfurling of the banner that celebrates their 17th championship will be postponed until fans can join them in the Staples Center. At present, the spot designated for it in the arena is taken by a black banner that reads: “STAY TUNED, LAKERS FAMILY.”
The ring ceremonies were adapted to fit the social distancing measures of 2020, which seemed entirely suitable. Short, emotional videos featuring the families of Lakers’ players and coaches were shown prior to the players individually approaching the podium to collect their rings.
Lakers get their championship rings before talking on the Clippers.
Davis received encouragement and pride from his parents for all his achievements in basketball. Before claiming his ring and jubilantly raising four fingers to symbolize his four NBA titles with three teams, James was virtually congratulated by his mother, uncles, and children.
In honor of Kobe Bryant, general manager Rob Pelinka held up his fingers to form the numbers 2 and 4, after placing his ring on his right hand.
“Last year, you demonstrated the remarkable feats a gifted group can achieve when they fully commit to being a team,” said Lakers coach Frank Vogel to his players. “To our dedicated fans, we eagerly await the day it is safe for you all to return to Staples Center. We look forward to showcasing our skills and celebrating our victories with you. We are grateful for your support and we love you.”
The rings were created by Jason of Beverly Hills, the Lakers’ customary jeweler, who also crafted the rings for the 2009 and 2010 championship teams that were led by Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Coach Phil Jackson.
In their first season as partners on the West Coast, James and Davis spearheaded the Lakers to secure the NBA title in Florida’s bubble. They made a 16-5 postseason run, resulting in James’ fourth championship and Davis’ first.
The Lakers openly expressed their disappointment for having to spend their entire offseason without fans due to the coronavirus pandemic. They were unable to have a parade in downtown Los Angeles, and there were no fans in the Staples stands to celebrate their sixth championship since the downtown stadium was inaugurated in 1999.
“NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the peculiarity of the situation, stating, “These times are clearly out of the ordinary and the ring ceremony without spectators is very different. I assure the Laker fans that we will make it right. We will conduct this ceremony again when the fans can be present in the building.”
Buss and Vogel also took the time to express gratitude to the Lakers who departed during the short offseason. These players include JaVale McGee, Danny Green, Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley, JR Smith, Dion Waiters, Troy Daniels, and DeMarcus Cousins.
Buss said, “Securing No. 17 signifies your permanent place in the Lakers legacy, just as you are eternally a part of ours.”
At least one Miami Heat member, Bradley, who declined to join the Lakers in last summer’s bubble due to family health issues and subsequently signed with the Lakers’ NBA Finals rival in the offseason, was keen to witness the Lakers’ ring celebration.
Bradley stated that he would view the ceremony via television. On Tuesday night, the Heat were in Orlando, gearing up for their opening game against the Magic on Wednesday.
“Actually, I was texting Kyle Kuzma this morning,” Bradley admitted on Tuesday. “He’s quite thrilled about the ceremony. I’m thrilled for them too. Last year, I invested a lot of effort with that team. The memory of it will remain with me forever.”
Bradley has been measured for a ring, but as of Tuesday, it was uncertain when he would actually receive the piece of jewelry. The Heat are scheduled to play against the Lakers on Feb. 20, which could potentially be the appropriate occasion for Bradley to receive his ring.
