Lakers receive championship rings with special tribute to Kobe Bryant

The reigning NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers received their rings during a ceremony on Tuesday night marking the start of the season. The rings paid tribute to basketball icon Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash earlier this year.

After introductions from Lakers' families and frontline workers, the remaining players and staff from the title-winning roster collected the new bling with each players' individual number and name emblazoned on it. The rings also contained some additional, sentimental details that will endear them to Bryant's fans. A Black Mamba snake – a reptile Bryant identified with – encircles every player's uniform number and the ring has a first-of-its kind detachable top that reveals another nod to the former NBA superstar.