The NBA today unveiled the Los Angeles Lakers Champions Collection – a line of commemorative merchandise celebrating the 2009 NBA champions. The centerpiece of the collection is the adidas Anniversary Jacket, a special track jacket the Lakers will wear on court on opening night when they receive their championship rings and raise their 15th championship banner. The collection also includes a limited edition basketball from Spalding, Champions DVD and other commemorative items.

The Champions Apparel Collection was designed and developed by adidas, the league’s official outfitter. In addition to the Anniversary jacket, the team will wear a special shooting shirt and will have a Champions patch on their jerseys featuring the Larry O’Brien Trophy and the number 15 to represent the Lakers 15 titles. adidas also created a full line of headwear that features the Champions patch and a flat-brimmed hat with 15 replica championship banner patches.

This is the second consecutive year the NBA has created a full line of merchandise celebrating the team that won the NBA championship. The launch of the collection coincides with the start of the 2009-10 NBA season and the Lakers’ home opener on Tuesday, Oct. 27, against the Los Angeles Clippers on TNT.

“The Lakers have some of the most passionate fans in sports and the Champions Collection is a great way for Lakers’ fans to celebrate when the team raises its 15th banner and begins a new season,” said Lisa Piken, Senior Director, NBA Global Merchandising Group. “Last year’s Boston Celtics collection was well received by our fans and we want to continue the tradition of honoring the Championship team at the beginning of each season.”

Like the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Lakers’ Anniversary Jacket features 15 gold star patches on the back, one in honor of each championship. The jacket is designed in Lakers purple with adidas’ signature three-stripes down the arms in yellow gold.

In addition to the apparel and headwear, a full selection of commemorative products is available. Spalding’s “Banner” Ball is a special edition vintage-style basketball that features images of each of Lakers 15 championship banners on the front of the ball.

The 2008-09 NBA Champions DVD gives fans an inside look at the Lakers’ successful regular season, triumphant playoff run and victory in The Finals against the Orlando Magic. It provides an all-access pass to exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes action and an unforgettable courtside view of The Finals.

The Los Angeles Lakers Champions Collection will be available online at NBAStore.com, Champs Sports, Fanzz and the Team LA Shop at the Staples Center.