LeBron James NBA Championship Ring Ceremony in Pictures

LeBron James got the monkey off his back during the summer when he and the Miami Heat knocked the Oklahoma City Thunder out of the playoffs to win his first ring. Now he's got the monkey off his back and a ring on his finger. 

The reigning MVP's season began in style on the NBA's opening night when he shook David Stern's hands, was congratulated and received the diamond-studded piece of jewelry that finally gets to decorate one of his fingers. 

Those who don't particularly care for James used to be able to mock his lack of rings, but that is no longer a possibility. 

As would befit a player nicknamed King James, this was a celebration fit for a king. There may not have been as much glitz and glamour as some might have expected, but the one important thing happened: James finally got the reward for his greatness, as he followed up his other teammates to close the proceedings.  

AmericanAirlines Arena

The celebration was by no means confined to the interior of the AmericanAirlines Arena. After all, the outside of the building needs to give the team some love. 

The Larry O'Brien Trophy Is in the Building

The coveted golden trophy that every basketball player dreams of was at center court on Tuesday night, reminding Miami fans of what happened last season and what they hope will happen again at the conclusion of the 2012-13 campaign. 

A Tender Moment Between Commish and Player

The haters out there might see this picture as David Stern and LeBron James conspiring, but unless the two men are using English as a code, the commissioner was simply congratulating his league's star player. 

LeBron and Larry

LeBron James is in his dream situation, with a boxed-up ring in hand and the coveted championship trophy hanging out in the background. 

A Ring Fit for a King

The rings are truly prizes fit for a King, with the words "All in" and "Family" prominently displayed among the multitude of glittering diamonds. 

Taking a Look

Feel free to take some time and enjoy the moment, LeBron. You earned this one. 

No More Ring Envy

Dwyane Wade can no longer crack locker-room jokes about LeBron James' empty fingers. Now he can just make fun of his friend and teammate for only having one. 

The Big Three Are Enjoying Themselves

This was exactly why Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James wanted to team up and take down the rest of the league. 

For once, Bosh isn't just photobombing. 

Basking in the Glory

With rings in hand, the whole team (minus Ray Allen, who was with the Boston Celtics last season), enjoys the adoring cheers of the Miami Heat fans before the championship banner is raised to the heavens. 

This Isn't a Dream, Right?

You know how you're supposed to pinch yourself to make sure that you aren't dreaming? 

Consider this the NBA version of that pinch. 

The Banner Goes Up

The Miami Heat's newest championship banner ascends into the rafters of the AmericanAirlines Arena, where it will join the 2006 version. 

Will another banner soon join the pair of testaments to great teams in Miami history?

Now for the Season

The ring ceremony may have been a gratifying moment for LeBron James, but it's business time now. After all, he wants a similar celebration before the start of the 2013-14 campaign.