Image via WikipediaSo it began with Phil Jackson cracking a sweet joke about Luke Walton, handing him his ring, then stepping aside to let the players take over.
Walton praised Odom's worth ethic. Odom talked about playing with Artest since they were children. Artest called Bynum a "warrior."
Bynum spoke of Gasol as a leader. Gasol shouted about Vujacic sinking two of the biggest free throws in Lakers history. Vujacic talked about Brown's energetic impact.
Brown referred to Fisher as the team president. Fisher referred to Bryant as the best player in the NBA. And Bryant referred to Buss as the best owner in team sports history.
Each of the hugs that followed the introductions were long, heartfelt, more real than a starting lineup chest bump or fist tap, filled with such emotion that it seemed some of the Lakers' players' eyes grew wet.
For the record, I have seen Bryant in hundreds of on-court embraces, but never have I seen him joyfully hug someone like he hugged Fisher.
"The fans saw the players as they had never seen them,'' said Harris. "The players let us all in.''
Immediately after the hugging stopped, friends were texting me that it was the best ring ceremony they have ever seen.
"What a team,'' wrote neighbor Sam. "Call me a homer. I love 'em.''
"Now that was a class ceremony,'' wrote buddy Barry, who lives in Dallas and hates the Lakers. "Compared to the Heat and Celtics, the Lakers looked like a bunch of choir boys.''
When the ceremony ended, Artest took the microphone and presided over the unveiling of the championship banner, pointing to the Staples Center wall where the yellow victory flag would supposedly unfurl.
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