After making some major roster adjustments at the trade deadline, the Lakers look like a threat to make a championship run in 2023. If they’re able to do so, the franchise is reportedly prepared to dole out rings to everyone who played a role in the season.
According to NBA insider Chris B. Haynes, Los Angeles would extend a championship ring to players such as Russell Westbrook, Patrick Beverley and others who were traded, should they end up winning the championship.
“If the Lakers were able to win the whole thing, win a championship, I was told by a high-ranking source within the organization that they would extend a championship ring to all players who were on the roster at any point during the regular season,” said Haynes.
"They [Lakers] would extend a championship ring to ALL players who were on the roster at any point during this season." 💍
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 8, 2023
Russ and Pat Bev will get a ring if Lakers win the championship, per @chrisbhaynes pic.twitter.com/4Ybut4d2pf
“I was told that was a protocol and a system that was put in place by Rob Pelinka when he took over. It’s just a way to make sure they understand that they value them even though they didn’t make it from beginning to end of the season with the Lakers.”
Westbrook was offloaded to the Jazz in a three-team deal that saw D’Angelo Russell return to Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Beverley was traded to the Magic in a deal for Mo Bamba. Westbrook played 52 games for the Lakers this year, while Beverley featured in 45.
Despite the mid-season trades that saw both players shipped out of town, the organization would extend the pair, and others, a ring if they’re able to win the franchise’s 18th championship. It would be the first NBA Finals ring for Westbrook and Beverley.
