Fans call for Spike Lee to get a Knicks NBA championship ring along with the team
Some New York Knicks fans are calling for one of the team's most famous supporters, Spike Lee, to get some shine as the team basks in championship glory.
The fans flocked to social media over the weekend, calling for the team to give the famed director, who has been a Knicks season ticket holder for decades, an NBA championship ring alongside the team, after they secured their first NBA title since 1973.
ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith took to X on Sunday, sharing a post suggesting Lee receive a championship ring.
"I completely support this for Spike Lee. No Knicks' fan deserves this more than him," Smith wrote.
Comedian Kevin Hart, a Philadelphia sports fan, also took to Instagram to share a video supporting the idea.
"Give Spike a New York Knicks championship ring," Hart said. "Let's go, Spike."
Lee, who grew up in New York City, has held Knicks season tickets since 1985, according to ESPN, and has supported the team even longer than that.
His devotion to the team has earned him such distinction that in 2024, the NBA announced he would be recognized alongside Billy Crystal, Alan Horwitz and Jack Nicholson as a SuperFan in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
"I Sincerely Thank The Basketball Hall Of Fame For This Totally Unexpected Blessing For My Love Of Basketball And My Crazy Love For The NEW YORK KNICKERBOCKERS!" Lee wrote in an Instagram post at the time.
In an ABC News interview last month, Lee discussed his connection with the Knicks, and his experience sitting courtside at Madison Square Garden. He also recounted manifesting season tickets at the start of his career.
"I said 'Lord, if I ever get any money, I want to get out of the blue seats,' and I got season tickets, and every year I moved down," he said.
Championship rings are traditionally awarded to winning players, coaches and executives following their championship victory.
ABC News has reached out to representatives for Lee and the Knicks for comment.
The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News and ESPN.
