Kobe Bryant’s parents, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant and Pamela Bryant, have put Kobe’s first NBA championship ring up for auction. The ring, crafted from 14-karat gold and adorned with 40 diamonds, commemorates the Los Angeles Lakers’ victory over the Indiana Pacers in 2000. It was Kobe’s first of five championship wins with the Lakers.

This move has sparked strong reactions from fans, with some expressing disappointment and others suggesting the ring should remain within the family. This isn’t the first time memorabilia associated with Kobe has been offered for auction, leading to similar reactions in the past.

Kobe Bryant’s relationship with his parents was complex. Reported disagreements began early in Kobe’s relationship with Vanessa Bryant, leading Joe and Pamela to miss their son’s wedding in 2001. While brief reconciliations occurred over the years, tensions resurfaced in 2013.

A now-famous tweet by Kobe in 2013 expressed his deep hurt after learning his parents planned to auction off prized memorabilia from his career, including his first championship ring and high school jerseys. Reports from the Los Angeles Times and New York Post suggest Kobe was unaware of the auction and never consented to the sale. This disagreement led to a lawsuit, according to the New York Post.

Following the lawsuit, Joe and Pamela issued a statement through ESPN, expressing regret for their actions and apologizing for any pain caused to their son. They also acknowledged the financial support Kobe had provided them throughout the years.

However, the incident further strained their relationship, as evidenced by Kobe’s comments to ESPN regarding his parents’ absence at his final NBA game in 2016.

Neither Vanessa Bryant nor Joe or Pamela Bryant have publicly addressed the current auction of Kobe’s first championship ring, which is ongoing through Goldin until March 30.