The 2001-02 season proved to be the pinnacle of the Los Angeles Lakers’ Shaq/Kobe dynasty as the dominant squad swept the New Jersey Nets in four straight games in the NBA Finals. In doing so, the Lakers became only the third NBA franchise to win three straight championships, joining the Boston Celtics from the 1960’s and the Chicago Bulls of the 1990’s. Shaquille O'Neal, who averaged 36.3 points and 12.3 rebounds in the Finals, was named MVP of the series for the third consecutive year—at the time joining Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson as the only others to accomplish this feat.
SCP Auctions is honored to present Stanislav [Slava] Medvedenko’s 2002 NBA World Championship “3-Peat” ring from his personal collection. The 6’ 10”, 250-lb. power forward out of Karapyshi, Ukraine, spent six seasons in L.A. beginning in 2000-01 where he established himself as a reliable big man off the bench for the Lakers. He was known for his timely offensive rebounding, crafty play-making and deft scoring touch around the rim—his best season being 2003-04 when he started 36 games and averaged 8.3 points and 5 rebounds. 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.
The 14-karat gold player’s ring pays homage to the Lakers’ historic “Three-Peat” and the iconic triangle offense installed by head coach Phil Jackson. The lovely face has "Lakers World Champions” surrounding a triangular purple amethyst bordered by the words "Back Back Back" to commemorate the three NBA titles in a row. In addition, three triangular diamonds are set atop a bed of 61 smaller diamonds, along with 14 brilliant cut diamonds around the perimeter bezel, for a total of 2.45 carats. The right shank is embossed with the Lakers logo, "Slam Dunk," "2002" and the image of a microphone with the name "Chick" -- a salute to longtime Lakers play-by-play man Chick Hearn who passed away after the season. The left shank has "MEDVEDENKO" and the number “44” – Slava personally requested this instead of his uniform #14 because 44 represents his April 4th birthday – plus the team’s regular-season "58-24" and playoff “15-4" records on each side of the NBA logo. The "14K" hallmark is stamped inside the band. The ring comes in size 14 and weighs 70 grams, exhibiting little wear and presenting beautifully. It includes 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.