Lakers Owner Gifts Replacement Rings To Slava Medvedenko Who Sold Originals To Raise Money For Ukraine

During a fan event on Monday, the Los Angeles Lakers gave former player Slava Medvedenko a replacement championship ring. To raise money for individuals impacted by the conflict in his own Ukraine, Medvedenko sold his original championship rings.

The owner of the Lakers Jeanie Buss gave Medvedenko the new rings.

Lakers Owner Gifts Replacement Rings To Slava Medvedenko Who Sold Originals To Raise Money For Ukraine

Five months after Medvedenko made the decision to assist his native Ukraine in fighting off the Russian invasion, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss gave him the new rings during a gathering of Los Angeles fans.

The rings were sold by Medvedenko, a member of the Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant-led teams that won the championship in 2001 and 2002, for $253,534. All of the money went to his “Fly High Foundation,” a charity that aids children impacted by the Russia-Ukraine war.

The organisation was founded by Medvedenko in 2022 and focuses on restoring sports facilities at schools in war-torn locations.

“In this moment, I just decided, ‘Why do I need these rings if they’re just sitting in my safe?'” Medvedenko said when he sold his original championship rings. “I just recognise I can die. After that, I just say I have to sell them to show people leadership, to help my Ukrainian people to live better, to help kids.”

In addition to selling his rings, he participated in the war’s territorial defence of Ukraine. The former Laker had no military training before the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Five of Medvedenko’s six NBA seasons were spent with the Lakers. Before quitting the sport, he played with the Atlanta Hawks in the 2006–07 season.

FOR MORE NBA UPDATES- 

Miami Heats’ Young Fan Flies 4,000 Miles To See Jimmy Butler