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Sports

The evolution of the NBA title ring

Updated 10:17 AM EDT, Tue March 27, 2018
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If you were a member of the NBA champion Boston Celtics during the 1983-84 season, this diamond cloverleaf ring might look familiar. Here's a look at some other NBA title rings from the past 40 years.
If you were a member of the NBA champion Boston Celtics during the 1983-84 season, this diamond cloverleaf ring might look familiar. Here's a look at some other NBA title rings from the past 40 years.
NBA Photos/NBAE/Getty Images
The Los Angeles Lakers' ring in 1985 featured a diamond basketball to resemble the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
The Los Angeles Lakers' ring in 1985 featured a diamond basketball to resemble the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
NBA Photos/NBAE/Getty Images
In 1987, the Lakers marked their fifth Los Angeles title with five diamonds on the front of the ring. Note the name Johnson on the side -- this was the ring for Lakers star Magic Johnson.
In 1987, the Lakers marked their fifth Los Angeles title with five diamonds on the front of the ring. Note the name Johnson on the side -- this was the ring for Lakers star Magic Johnson.
NBA Photos/NBAE/Getty Images
The ring for the 1989-90 Detroit Pistons featured a large diamond surrounded by 20 smaller diamonds. On the side of the ring are the words "back to back" -- signifying the team's consecutive championships.
The ring for the 1989-90 Detroit Pistons featured a large diamond surrounded by 20 smaller diamonds. On the side of the ring are the words "back to back" -- signifying the team's consecutive championships.
NBA Photos/NBAE/Getty Images
The Chicago Bulls' ring in 1993 featured a jewel-encrusted red bull. Note the name Jordan -- as in Bulls iconic guard Michael Jordan -- on the side of the ring.
The Chicago Bulls' ring in 1993 featured a jewel-encrusted red bull. Note the name Jordan -- as in Bulls iconic guard Michael Jordan -- on the side of the ring.
NBA Photos/NBAE/Getty Images
The Houston Rockets' ring in 1994 featured the Rockets logo, 14 diamonds and the words "Clutch City" on the side. It was their first of back-to-back titles.
The Houston Rockets' ring in 1994 featured the Rockets logo, 14 diamonds and the words "Clutch City" on the side. It was their first of back-to-back titles.
NBA Photos/NBAE/Getty Images
During the 1995-96 season, the Chicago Bulls set an NBA record by winning 72 regular-season games. They went on to win the title and this ring, which signifies the franchise's fourth championship.
During the 1995-96 season, the Chicago Bulls set an NBA record by winning 72 regular-season games. They went on to win the title and this ring, which signifies the franchise's fourth championship.
NBA Photos/NBAE/Getty Images
Ever seen spurs made of diamonds and gold? You have now. This ring comes from the San Antonio Spurs' championship season in 1998-99.
Ever seen spurs made of diamonds and gold? You have now. This ring comes from the San Antonio Spurs' championship season in 1998-99.
NBA Photos/NBAE/Getty Images
Triangles were the theme of the Los Angeles Lakers' championship ring in 2001-02. The triangles signify the team's third consecutive world title -- and they're also a nod to the team's "triangle" offense.
Triangles were the theme of the Los Angeles Lakers' championship ring in 2001-02. The triangles signify the team's third consecutive world title -- and they're also a nod to the team's "triangle" offense.
NBA Photos/NBAE/Getty Images
In 2003, the San Antonio Spurs won their second league title.
In 2003, the San Antonio Spurs won their second league title.
NBA Photos/NBAE/Getty Images
This ring was created for the Detroit Pistons' championship in 2004.
This ring was created for the Detroit Pistons' championship in 2004.
Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images
Here's Shaquille O'Neal's championship ring that he earned with the 2005-06 Miami Heat. It was the franchise's first title.
Here's Shaquille O'Neal's championship ring that he earned with the 2005-06 Miami Heat. It was the franchise's first title.
Victor Baldizon/NBAE/Getty Images
Boston Celtics fans might like these championship baubles that were made in 2008 for the team's "Big 3": Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.
Boston Celtics fans might like these championship baubles that were made in 2008 for the team's "Big 3": Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.
Brian Babineau/NBAE/Getty Images
This 2009 championship ring includes the Lakers' logo and the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
This 2009 championship ring includes the Lakers' logo and the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks won all the marbles in 2011. Here are three of their championship rings from that year.
The Dallas Mavericks won all the marbles in 2011. Here are three of their championship rings from that year.
Glenn James/NBAE/Getty Images
Norris Cole shows off the championship ring he won with the Miami Heat in 2014.
Norris Cole shows off the championship ring he won with the Miami Heat in 2014.
David Dow/NBAE/Getty Images
Here's the ring Stephen Curry -- No. 30 -- won for his contribution to<br />the Golden State Warriors' championship in 2015.
Here's the ring Stephen Curry -- No. 30 -- won for his contribution to
the Golden State Warriors' championship in 2015.
Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty Images
In 2016, the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrated their first NBA championship with this ring featuring the team logo.
In 2016, the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrated their first NBA championship with this ring featuring the team logo.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images

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