Amazing news for Slava Medvedenko — the ex-Lakers player was gifted replacement championship rings on Monday … after selling his original bling to help raise money for those affected by the war in Ukraine.
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss presented the new rings to Medvedenko at an event for L.A. fans … five months after he decided to help his native country fight against the Russian invasion.
Lakers governor Jeanie Buss just presented Slava Medvedenko with replacement championship rings at a Lakers fan event after he sold his to help his home country of Ukraine fight the war against Russia. pic.twitter.com/qOdRWomV5w
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) January 24, 2023
@jovanbuha
Medvedenko — who was on the Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant-led squads that won it all in 2001 and 2002 — sold the rings for $253,534 … and all of the proceeds went to his “Fly High Foundation,” an organization devoted to helping kids affected by the Russia-Ukraine war.
Medvedenko started the org. in 2022 … and it focuses on repairing sports facilities at schools in areas hit hard by the war.
“In this moment, I just decided, ‘Why do I need these rings if they’re just sitting in my safe?'” Medvedenko said of parting ways with the bling at the time. “I just recognize 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.”
Slava did more than sell his rings, though — the 6’10” NBA hooper served in Ukraine’s territorial defense during the war, despite having no prior military experience.
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Kudos to Jeanie and the Lakers org. … and shoutout to Slava for the grand gesture.