NBA: Ranking the 30 best NBA Championship Rings

MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 30: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat looks at his 2012 NBA Championship ring following a ceremony prior to the game against the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Arena on October 30, 2012 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) /

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Rick Fox (L) and Robert Horry. AFP PHOTO/Lucy NICHOLSON /

Ranking the best championship rings in NBA history: 24. Los Angeles Lakers, 2002

The dynasty was in full effect at this point. Shaquille O’Neal was clearly the best player in the world and the second best appeared to be his sidekick, Kobe Bryant. Of course, there was no doubt that Phil Jackson was the puppet master behind it all, pulling the strings and making sure everyone played their role correctly.

In 2002, the Lakers were surrounded by controversy, constant bickering through the media, and more importantly, the San Antonio Spurs who almost knocked them off in seven games during the Western Conference Finals.

The Lakers made it look incredibly easy against the then New Jersey Nets, making their lives miserable for a four-game sweep.

The seemingly good relationship between O’Neal and Bryant was a spurious front as they hated each other behind the scenes. Still, despite all of the madness, they took home their third straight title and their championship ring was gorgeous.

One singular purple triangular stone stood in the middle of the ring, on its three sides were the words “back back back” which was apropos. Just outside of those words were two triangular diamonds with a third at the bottom. In the background of the entire stone were yellow diamonds.

It was a great work of art. It’s too bad Bryant and O’Neal couldn’t get their act together and rack up more as a team.