With a nucleus that included two of the NBA's all-time greats in Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant – along with the game's Zen-Master head coach Phil Jackson -- the Los Angeles Lakers had an unbeatable combination that catapulted them to a second consecutive NBA title in 2000-01. The Lakers swept their way through the first three rounds of the Western Conference playoffs before knocking off Allen Iverson’s Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals in five games. The team’s 15-1 playoff record was the greatest in league history until the Warriors bested that with a 16-1 run in 2017 [thanks to an expanded best-of-seven format in the first round].
SCP Auctions proudly presents Stanislav (“Slava”) Medvedenko’s 2001 NBA World Championship ring from his personal collection. The 6’ 10”, 250-lb. power forward out of Karapyshi, Ukraine, spent six years in L.A. beginning with the 2000-01 campaign where he established himself as a reliable big man off the bench known for his timely offensive rebounding and deft scoring touch. With a heavy heart, Slava has decided to part with both of his Lakers Championship rings and give back to his fellow Ukrainians with the goal of restoring the hopes and dreams of his nation’s aspiring young athletes during this tumultuous time. For more information, visit www.flyhigh.fund.
Crafted in elegant 14-karat yellow gold, the 2001 ring features numerous white and yellow genuine diamonds on its impressive face, headlined by two striking Larry O’Brien trophies made of white diamonds surrounded by “Lakers World Champions.” In all, the center section consists of two .25 solitaire cut diamonds, twenty-two 1/150 solitaire cut diamonds and 39 solitaire-cut canary diamonds in the background. Its striking design includes "Back 2 Back 2001" below the Lakers logo on one shank. The other shank has "MEDVEDENKO" and “44” – a special nod to Slava’s April 4th birthday and also his lucky number – above the team’s regular-season (56-26) and playoff (15-1) records, with the famous NBA logoman of Jerry West’s silhouette at center. Stamped inside the band is the "14K" hallmark. This exclusive piece of history comes in a large ring size of 14 and weighs 50 grams. It shows little wear and displays wonderfully in outstanding condition. Also included is the original 7" by 5" by 3¼" mahogany wood presentation box with Medvedenko’s name embossed on the outside.
As part of this special spotlight auction, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this ring will benefit Ukraine relief efforts. SCP will be giving the full profits to Medvedenko’s own Fly High Foundation. Fly High’s goal is to support Ukrainian kids by restoring the sports infrastructure of the country’s schools and launching a network of social sports clubs.