When it came to basketball, the late George Mikan was a true pioneer of the sport. A 6’ 10” center who played his college ball at DePaul University and professional with the then-Minneapolis Lakers, Mikan made a serious impact on the court. In fact, due to his size and relentless playing instincts, the NBA was forced to rewrite some of its rules including the introduction of goaltending, widening its foul lane, and creating the shot
clock. A three-time league scoring champ, Mikan led the Lakers to five league titles between 1949 and ’54.
To honor Mikan’s impact on the game, a “Celebration at Center Court” was held in his honor on April 8, 2001, at the Target Center in Minneapolis and even his former Minneapolis Lakers teammates were invited to attend. Though a private reception was held prior to the start of a Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers game, a special ceremony took place at halftime of the game in which Mikan’s life-sized bronze statue was unveiled. That same bronze statue now stands in the front lobby of the Target Center for fans and patrons to admire. That same day, Mikan was presented with this beautiful, 14K gold ring commemorating his five league titles.
A 1-of-1 made exclusively for Mikan, the ring sports a large number “99” (his former uniform number) comprised of small diamonds on the face sitting atop a black onyx stone. Raised lettering surrounds the face of the ring that reads: “WORLD CHAMPIONS GEORGE MIKAN” and includes a pair of tiny basketballs within the design. The right shank reads “49-50-52” to acknowledge the Lakers first three team titles positioned above the official NBA logo. The left shank includes “MPLS” at the top above a basketball with the outline of the state of Minnesota inside it, followed by “LAKERS” and “53-54” to reflect Mikan’s last two titles with the team. The size 11.5 ring is stamped “14K on the interior band. The ring displays minor wear.
Includes personal letter dated 4/12/2001 from Commissioner David Stern regarding the ring and ceremony plus the Target Center suite ticket for the 4/8/11 game and center court celebration program. LOA from Mikan's son.