Los Angeles Lakers obtain NBA Championship rings — after which lose their season opener

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The LA crew had chosen to attend till they may return earlier than hoisting their seventeenth championship banner. Ring ceremonies are normally raucous affairs, however Tuesday’s celebration was a tamer one as a result of absence of followers.

President of the Lakers Jeanie Buss instructed the followers everybody was feeling their absence: “We miss you. … However sometime quickly we might be collectively.”

Regardless of it being an all-but-empty Staples Centre, gamers had been introduced with their rings by household on the videoboard. James, along with his household, noticed to his delight youngsters from his I Promise College congratulating him. Lakers superfan and rapper Snoop Dogg additionally requested LeBron James if the Lakers will win their 18th title in his 18th yr within the league.

The design of the rings paid tribute to the distinctive yr the Lakers have had. Not solely has the coronavirus pandemic performed havoc with greatest laid plans, the dying of Lakers nice Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in January made this yr’s championship victory extra poignant.

In tribute, every ring was adorned with a Black Mamba snake encircling each participant’s uniform quantity, and the ring has a removable prime that reveals the retired jersey numbers on the Lakers, highlighting particularly Bryant’s 8 and 24 numbers.

Another numbers additionally retired by the Lakers embrace Magic Johnson’s 32, Wilt Chamberlain’s 13, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 33 and Shaquille O’Neil’s 34.

Kawhi Leonard dunks the ball against the Lakers.
Lengthy-time Lakers announcer Chick Hearn, who broadcast the crew’s video games for the higher a part of 4 many years, can be commemorated within the rafters of Staples Centre, with an icon of a commentator’s microphone positioned between Bryant’s 8 and 24 jerseys.

The phrase “Depart A Legacy” — the Lakers’ playoff slogan — can be emblazoned in gold in James’ handwriting on each ring.

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Nevertheless, in spite of everything that emotion and celebration, it was the Lakers’ Los Angeles rivals, who had the final phrase on Tuesday as this shortened, 72-game season bought underway.

The Lakers entered the 2020-21 season as clear favorites to repeat behind James and Anthony Davies. Nevertheless, on Tuesday evening, the Clippers led by as many as 22, ultimately happening to win 116-109.

Dennis Schroder drives to the basket against the LA Clippers.

Paul George had 33 factors, 26 of which got here within the second half whereas two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard had 26 factors. 35-year-old James had 22 to guide the Lakers however regardless of a spirited comeback, it wasn’t meant to be for the reigning champions.

“I’ve utilized the work that I put on this offseason,” George mentioned after the win. “It is not gonna be fairly each evening. Tonight I bought it going and was capable of present up huge time for my crew.”



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