1972 Los Angeles Lakers NBA World Championship ring issued to Hall of Fame player/coach K.C. Jones in his capacity as an assistant coach with the club. This is an exceedingly rare NBA Championship ring. Not only is it the first we have ever handled, but it is also, to the best of our knowledge, just the second example ever offered at public auction (the other, issued to Elgin Baylor, sold for $132,000 in 2013). Perhaps the reason why the recipients of this ring have been reluctant to part with it is because of its historical significance. 1972 marked the Lakers' first championship in Los Angeles and the club's 69 wins that season remain the most in franchise history. The club also won an NBA record 33 straight games during the 1971-72 season, which is the longest consecutive-game winning streak for any American professional sport team.

While the rarity of this ring and what it represents in regard to Lakers franchise history cannot be overstated, its provenance is equally impressive. K.C. Jones was one of the greatest guards in basketball history and was a key member of the legendary Boston Celtics basketball dynasty, leading the club to eight consecutive NBA Championships between the years 1959 and 1966. Following his retirement in 1968, Jones began a successful coaching career, winning an additional four NBA Championships, two as an assistant (with the Lakers in 1972 and Celtics in 1981), and two more as head coach of the Boston Celtics in 1984 and 1986. The offered ring has been consigned directly by the Jones family and has never before been offered for sale, either publicly or privately. 

The 14K gold ring features a circular face, with a single large diamond set upon a representation of a basketball. The lettering around the perimeter reads "NBA World Champions." One shank bears the name "K. C. Jones" engraved on a banner. Below that is the Lakers team logo and lettering that reads "33 Straight/69-12." The opposite shank displays the NBA logo and the year, 1972. The engraving on the interior band reads Balfour 14K. The ring displays moderate wear, including a few light scratches. Size: 12. Weight: 36 grams.