In the thrilling arena of the NBA, the Larry O’Brien Trophy has been a coveted symbol of championship glory since 1977, know its cost and what is it made of
Glistening as if it’s pure gold, this prestigious trophy stands as a testament to a team’s indomitable spirit and dedication to achieving the pinnacle of success. However, is the trophy as luxurious in its make as it appears?
What is the NBA finals winner Larry O’Brien trophy made of, cost and replica details
Before the inception of the Larry O’Brien Trophy, the NBA celebrated its champions with the Walter A. Brown Trophy from 1947-1976. Unlike today, the same trophy was passed on from one winning team to another each year.
I think these @nuggets are gonna take good care of me! 🏆❤️ pic.twitter.com/NHKg506pmz
— The Larry O’Brien Trophy (@nbafinalstrophy) June 13, 2023
In 1977, the NBA broke this tradition and presented a brand-new trophy to the champions of the time, the Portland Trail Blazers. This marked the dawn of the Larry O’Brien Trophy era. Yet, the trophy’s actual worth might astonish many ardent fans.
The 2022 transformation of the Larry O’Brien trophy
The Larry O’Brien Trophy underwent a significant makeover in 2022. The revamped version now features two stacked discs. The upper disc proudly displays the names of the previous NBA champions, while the lower one honors the name of the current title holder. The Golden State Warriors had the privilege of being the first team to claim this modernized trophy.
The allure of gold: The making of the trophy
Despite its dazzling gold appearance, the Larry O’Brien Trophy is not initially made from gold. The primary substance in its making is around 16 pounds of sterling silver. A coat of 24-karat gold overlay is then applied to lend it that iconic radiant look.
The trophy, weighing approximately 16 pounds and towering at 2 feet, features a ball that mirrors the size of an actual basketball. Contrary to what one might expect, the trophy is not worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Its estimated cost is a comparatively modest $13,500.
For over four decades, Tiffany and Co. have been crafting these magnificent Larry O’Brien Trophies. The current price of the altered trophy, however, remains undisclosed.
2022 – The year of new trophies
Though the Larry O’Brien Trophy isn’t crafted from pure gold, it certainly exudes a golden aura. Adding to the glitz of the NBA, Tiffany and Co. introduced two more awards in 2022 – the Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP award and the Larry Bird Eastern Conference Finals MVP trophy.
Steph Curry and Jayson Tatum had the honor of being the inaugural recipients of these two distinctive awards. Fans are left wondering if the NBA plans to add more illustrious awards to its roster in the upcoming postseason basketball years.
The Larry O’Brien Trophy remains an enduring symbol of triumph in the NBA, irrespective of its not-so-golden composition. Its story of evolution and the anticipation of future additions to the award line-up keep the excitement alive in the world of basketball, maintaining an invincible allure among players and fans alike.
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