Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant’s Lakers were one of the most dominant groups assembled. The two forces ruled with their dynamic. They led their teammates to three successive championships. However, in light of what’s happening in Ukraine, one of their peers is auctioning off his rings.
Slava Medvedenko wasn’t the biggest name in the NBA. But he sure was on the biggest team. Slava came into in 2000 as a forward for the Lakers. While he spent most of his time on the bench, he brought in luck. Just into their dominant reign, Kobe and Shaq added two more in the Ukranian’s first 2 seasons. He would stay a two-time NBA champion till the end of his career.
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REPORT: Former Lakers player Slava Medvedenko is auctioning off his two NBA championship rings to raise money for his native country, Ukraine.
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However, recently, he has his career’s biggest possession away. With the ongoing hostility between Ukraine and Russia, Slava stepped up to help out.
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Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant’s teammate auctions his Lakers championship rings
The situation between Russia and Ukraine hasn’t seen any progress. However, in times like these, Slava is standing for peace. He decided to help his country by auctioning his 2001 and 2002 NBA championship rings with the Lakers. It’s a huge sacrifice, but for Slava, he is taking a step in the right direction.
His two rings came during the Lakers’ most unstoppable era. In 2001, the Lakers lost just a single game in the entire playoffs. Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant were at the peak of their powers.
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Lakers Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant celebrate after defeating the 76ers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals in Philadelphia Wednesday June 13, 2001. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
In 2002, the Lakers made history that stands even to this day. Although the New Jersey Nets somehow made it to the finals, it was virtually impossible for them to stop the Shaq-Kobe duo. The Big Diesel was at the height of his powers, putting up 36 points and 12 rebounds in the 4-game annihilation. It’s the last time any team in the NBA won three straight titles which only add more value to Slava’s prized ring.
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However, the former Lakers star has certainly taken the right decision. By auctioning one of the most highly sought-after items in the sporting world, Slava has not only helped his country but has also brought the ongoing conflict to the attention of millions of basketball fans around the world.
