Welcome to “Headlines- NBA Championship Edition.” Today's top story is brought to you by Rihanna :

Congrats to Lebron on his first ring! Well deserved HEAT!!!!

— Rihanna (@rihanna) June 22, 2012

Nike was prepared, airing this "The Ring Maker" ad shortly after the conclusion of the game:

Congratulations came from many quarters, including this member of the Heat's last championship team:

congrats to the king and the miami heat , mike miller shot da lights outta Dat thang. Wooweeeeee. Congrats king

— SHAQ (@SHAQ) June 22, 2012

Speaking of big men who won multiple titles with the Lakers:

Its always a pleasure 2 C someone whose had 2 deal with alot of criticism, handle it in a classy way, and come out on top. Congrats Lebron!

— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) June 22, 2012

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert once vowed his team would win a championship before James in Miami. Probably not the easiest tweet to send:

Great NBA season. Enjoyedplayoffs. Congratulations to Miami & OKC for an exciting Finals. Back to work on next weeks promising Cavs draft.

— Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan) June 22, 2012

Redemption was a common theme:

Give @king James his props. U stoned him when THEY lost now CROWN him now that THEY won. It takes more emotion to hate than to Love. Truth

— DeionSanders (@DeionSanders) June 22, 2012

You get the point:

Y'all kills me now all the haters wanna say he only got 1 ring child please go find u something else to hate on

— Chris Johnson (@ChrisJohnson28) June 22, 2012

Juwan Howard was the first member of the "Fab Five" to earn an NBA ring and it took quite a while, apparently:

Congrats to a guy who has seen 2 World Wars and the invention of the automobile. Well deserved Juwan Howard.

— Tom Crabtree (@TCrabtree83) June 22, 2012

This from the losing side:

Tough way to end a season but I am truly blessed to have the privilege to play for such a great city, congrats to the Miami Heat..

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) June 22, 2012

Finally, a thanks to the fans:

WOW. Amazing season for me and my brothers!!! I love these dudes!! Appreciate all the love from the TRUE Thunder fans!! #ThunderUp!!!

— James Harden (@JHarden13) June 22, 2012

Elsewhere:

• Darth Vader and Chewbacca each threw out ceremonial first pitches and Princess Leia sang "God Bless America" for the Rosewell Invaders of the Pecos League during "Cosmic Con" night Thursday. The team also held a dance contest featuring the "Star Wars" characters and players. (You Tube via Independent Baseball.Net)

• Next time you think of dropping by the U.S. Open trophy presentation to make a few bird calls, check out the fate of the "Birdman" in this cartoon from "Giant Foam Hand' via Buzzfeed.

If you see any offbeat and fresh newsy links from your favorite sports site that might be of interest to others, pass them along to me @billsperos or bsperos1@gmail.com.