Kobe Bryant's Dad Sparks Heated Debate After Putting Late NBA Star's Championship Ring Up for Auction

Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the 2010 NBA Finals on June 10, 2010 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

Kobe Bryant's dad, Joe Bryant, is coming under fire after putting a very special valuable that the late NBA star gifted him up for auction.

The item in question is the pro athlete's very first championship ring, which he earned in 2000 as a result of his major victory with the Los Angeles Lakers.

According to the Goldin, the ring is 14-karat gold and features 40 diamonds, including five larger round diamonds on either side of the face, which display the word ‘LAKERS’ filled with purple enamel. It is said to be a size 11 ½, weighs about 59.6 grams, and also comes with a letter of authorization from Kobe’s mom, Pam Bryant.

Though many may be under the impression that the jewelry is the legend's original ring, it is actually a replica that the late sports star had ordered to present to his dad.

“Obtained directly from the Bryant family, this ring is a true one-of-a-kind, and we can confirm that it is the only championship ring ever given by Kobe to his father,” the auction site reads.

At the time of writing, the item had received 19 bids, climbing up to $141k. The auction closes on March 30.

However, although it may not be the exact ring the star basketball player wore personally, internet users have taken issue with the fact that his family would let something of such sentimental value go in exchange for monetary gain, despite no reasoning behind selling the item being disclosed.

Several fans took to social media to express their disappointment with the situation.

"I feel like this is something you'd keep for his children not put up for sale," one wrote, in part, while another agreed, "With all due respect, i would’ve kept this in the family. Like one of those that you pass down through the generations ngl. Have it locked away too."

Another questioned, "His mom really needs the money that badly? This whole thing is sad all the way around."

"Very unfortunate. This ring should stay within the family or with a very close friend. It’s not about the monetary value; it’s about what Kobe meant to the NBA and its fans. Worst case scenario, the Lakers should get it and display it for future generations to see," an additional X user suggested.

In someone else's opinion, "This is sad, especially given Kobe's estranged relationship with his parents."

Yet another presented a theory for the reason behind selling the ring, writing, "Kobe was not seeing eye to eye with his parents before he died he didn't wanna give them no money. And Vanessa got sued by her Mom because she doesn't wanna give her any money either," before adding that they're not financially stable and "they gotta [sic] sell memorabilia."

Meanwhile, one tweet pointed out, "It's only a ring."

Related: Vanessa Bryant Announces Lakers Will Be Unveiling Kobe Bryant Statue

Aside from the basketball great's alleged estrangement with his mother and father, it has also been publicized common knowledge that the pair doesn't necessarily have the best opinion of Kobe's wife, Vanessa, and apparently never has. Kobe's relationship with his parents reportedly first became strained when the couple got engaged in 2000, as they announced their plans to tie the knot at Vanessa's 18th birthday party on May 5.

The widow, who in the past, has also had a legal spat with her own mother, Sofia Laine, over finances, was largely named the beneficiary of the late legend's assets when he passed away.

Kobe and his then-13-year-old daughter, Gianna, tragically died in a devastating helicopter crash, along with seven others, on Jan. 26, 2020. He was 41 years old.

In addition to the late teenage girl—who was following in her dad's basketball footsteps—Kobe and Vanessa also have three other daughters together: Natalia, 21, Bianka, 7, and Capri Kobe, 4.

Next: How Kobe Bryant's Daughter Natalia Feels About Murals Memorializing Late Dad and Sister