This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2019
The Los Angeles Lakers completes the rare trifecta in 2002 when they won their third consecutive NBA title after sweeping the New Jersey Nets in The Finals. Though the team was now coached by Phil Jackson, Pat Riley’s patented “Three-Peat” verbiage was alive and well. As part of the celebration, the team’s Executive Vice President of Business, Jeanie Buss, presented a 2002 L.A. Lakers World Championship ring to “Original” Lakers center George Mikan. In a typed letter to Mikan dated Dec. 4, 2002, Buss wrote, “Please accept this gift as a token of our appreciation for your participation in our tribute ceremonies on April 11, 2002. Also, we would like to extend many thanks for being such an important part of our great Lakers history.” The legendary 6’ 10” Mikan led the Minneapolis Lakers to five NBA titles in six years from 1949 to ’54, leading the league in scoring three times to earn the nickname “Mr. Basketball.”
The 2002 Los Angeles Lakers World Champions 14-karat gold ring sports a triangle theme on its face honoring the team going back-to-back-to-back with a stunning amethyst stone in the center bordered by the word "Back" on all three sides. A total of 14 brilliant cut diamonds adorn the bezel, where raised lettering reads, “Lakers World Champions." 61 yellow diamonds are set in the ring face, as are three larger triangular cut diamonds again representing the historic three-peat. "MIKAN" stands in raised lettering upon the left shank, with the team's regular season record (58-24) below as well as its playoffs mark (15-4) bordering the official NBA logo. The right shank shows the Lakers logo, the year “2002," and a tribute to the team’s longtime broadcaster Chick Hearn with the phrase “Slam Dunk.” Hearn’s last game at the mic was the Lakers’ title-clinching Game 4 win over the Nets on June 12, 2002. The interior band is hallmarked “14K.” The size 11.5 ring show light wear and comes in its original cherry wood presentation box with an engraved gold plaque on the lid assigning it to Mikan.
Includes LOA from Mikan's son and two LOA's from Jeanie Buss.
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.