This is an updated version of a previous story that several media sites ran:
The auction of a 2000 NBA championship ring originally gifted by Kobe Bryant to his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, has ignited controversy and shone a spotlight on the complex relationship within the Bryant family. The ring’s auction was announced by Goldin Auctions earlier this month, with initial bids starting at $33,000. The price has since escalated to $141,000, with the auction set to close on March 30, 2024.
Joe Bryant, a former professional basketball player himself, initially received the ring as a gesture of triumph and familial pride from his son, Kobe, following the Los Angeles Lakers’ championship win. However, Joe sold the ring in 2013, and it is now the current owner who has placed the item up for auction.
Misleading descriptions on the Goldin Auctions website have contributed to confusion and distress. The site claims the ring was “obtained directly from the Bryant family,” a statement that suggests direct involvement of Kobe’s parents in the current sale. This has been refuted by Joe and Pamela Bryant, who released a statement expressing their disconnection from the auction and the pain it has resurfaced. “We want to make it unequivocally clear that we have no involvement in this sale of our son’s 2000 championship ring,” the Bryants emphasized, seeking privacy and peace during this challenging time.
Goldin Auctions CEO, Ken Goldin, has clarified via X (formerly Twitter) that the ring being auctioned was indeed sold by Joe Bryant in 2013 and that the current seller is not a member of the Bryant family. The auction house itself is familiar to the Bryant family, having facilitated the sale of this very ring and other Kobe-related items 11 years prior.
The auction of Kobe Bryant’s memorabilia, particularly the championship rings, has been a point of contention in the past. In 2013, Kobe discovered his parents’ plans to auction off his memorabilia, including the championship rings, without his permission. This discovery led to a public and legal dispute that was eventually settled, allowing only six items to be auctioned. The incident highlighted the strained relationship between Kobe and his parents, exacerbated by disagreements over his marriage to Vanessa Laine and subsequent lifestyle choices.
Kobe Bryant’s relationship with his parents was complex, marked by periods of estrangement and attempts at reconciliation. Growing up in Italy and the United States, Kobe shared a close bond with his family, but tensions arose as he entered adulthood and made choices independent of their wishes. Despite these challenges, the family occasionally showed signs of unity, such as their appearance at Kobe’s high school jersey retirement ceremony.
The current auction has reopened discussions about the Bryant family dynamics, illustrating the ongoing impact of Kobe’s legacy beyond his death. The championship ring, featuring 40 diamonds and engraved with “Lakers,” “Bryant,” “World Champions,” and “Bling Bling,” symbolizes Kobe’s achievements on the court and the complex narratives off it.
As the auction draws to a close, the focus remains on the legacy of Kobe Bryant, the value of memorabilia in capturing sports history, and the personal stories that intertwine with public figures’ careers. The Bryant family’s statement and the auction house’s clarifications have provided some context to the ongoing saga, highlighting the importance of privacy, respect, and understanding in navigating the legacy of a sports icon.
Original story:
The auction of Joe “Jellybean” Bryant’s 2000 NBA championship ring, a personal gift from his late son, Kobe Bryant, has reignited conversations about family ties, financial struggles, and the legacy of one of basketball’s greatest icons.
The 14-karat gold ring, studded with 40 diamonds and inscribed with the words “Lakers,” “Bryant,” “World Champions,” and “Bling Bling,” represents more than just a piece of sports memorabilia. It’s a symbol of Kobe’s first NBA championship victory with the Los Angeles Lakers and a testament to a father-son relationship that has been both public and tumultuous.
The auction initiated by Goldin Auctions on March 9, 2024, starting at $33,000, has stirred a mixed reaction from fans and observers alike. It showcases a broader narrative of the Bryant family’s complex dynamics. Currently, the bid stands at $94,000, far below the $206,000 fetched by a similar ring auctioned by Pamela Bryant in 2019 but still a significant sum.
Joe and Pamela Bryant’s decision to auction off such a sentimental item has left many questioning the motives behind the move. Speculation abounds as to whether financial difficulties are at play or if this is an attempt to reconnect with Kobe’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, amid ongoing familial tensions. The Bryants have not publicly commented on the auction, leaving the community to ponder the implications.
Kobe Bryant’s relationship with his parents was strained, a fact widely documented over the years. The Lakers legend met Vanessa Laine when he was just 20, and their relationship led to a shift in familial dynamics. Kobe’s parents were notably absent from their 2001 wedding in Dana Point, California, marking the beginning of a series of public disputes that culminated in a 2013 lawsuit over the sale of Kobe’s memorabilia.
The lawsuit, which involved the planned sale of two of Kobe’s 2000 championship rings and other personal items, was settled out of court, allowing only six items to be auctioned. The Bryants issued a public apology, expressing regret over the pain caused to their son. Yet, this did not heal the rift, as Kobe later described his relationship with his parents as “s—.”
Kobe Bryant spent 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers and is celebrated as one of the sport’s most legendary figures. During his illustrious career, he secured five NBA titles, earned a spot in 18 All-Star Games, was selected for the All-NBA Team 15 times, made the All-Defensive Team 12 times, won the NBA MVP award in 2008, and claimed the NBA Finals MVP award twice.
He topped the NBA scoring charts twice and currently holds the fourth-highest scoring record for the regular season and playoffs. Following his passing, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020 and was honored on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
Joe Bryant, Kobe’s father, played in the NBA from 1975-1983 for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets. In addition to his NBA career, he played for various teams across Italy and a team in France. From 2005 to 2007, he was the head coach of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and returned to the position during the latter part of the 2011 WNBA season. His coaching experience extends internationally, having coached teams in Italy, Japan, and Thailand.
Kobe’s untimely death in a helicopter crash in January 2020, alongside his daughter Gianna and seven others, brought a renewed focus on his legacy and the importance of preserving his memory. This latest auction, therefore, raises questions about the balance between honoring a loved one’s legacy and the personal needs or desires of those they leave behind.