via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CA, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014 – Lakers guard Kobe Bryant listens as the National Anthem is sung by Jeffey Osborne at the season opener against the Rockets at Staples Center. (Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CA, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014 – Lakers guard Kobe Bryant listens as the National Anthem is sung by Jeffey Osborne at the season opener against the Rockets at Staples Center. (Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
NBA legend the late Kobe Bryant had many teammates over the course of his career. Now, one of his not so well known former teammates has come to the aid of Ukraine during a time of need. Slava Medvedenko, Ukrainian, played in the NBA from 2000 to 2007. The power forward played with Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers from 2000 to 2006. During which he won two NBA championships. Now, he is selling his two rings to raise money to aid his country.
It is reported that SCP Auctions will donate the entire money from both rings to Medvedenko’s Fly High Foundation. It is estimated that both rings will raise at least $100,000.
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The goal of the foundation is to support children in war-torn Ukraine by restoring the sports infrastructure of schools.
Fans react to Slava Medvedenko’s decision
The news of Medvedenko selling his title rings has shocked a lot of people. And the fans are showing their respect for his decision to help his country. Here are some of the reactions:
That’s a true PATRIOT
— Stacey (@STACEY010122) July 25, 2022
Would be awesome if he gets to keep his rings. If only the NBA and the players care enough to donate to make this happen.
— Ramstine (@itsRamstine) July 24, 2022
Slava, why don't you ask for assistance from the NBA to rebuild schools and gyms. Would be a great humanitarian project.
— Andre Levingston (@drelevingston) July 25, 2022
S/O to #SlavaMedvedenko for doing this selfless act for his native country 🙌🏼 💯@Lakers should be donating something especially to those kids in need #SlavaUkraine #Lakers @LakersNation @LakersSBN
— BeN LiB 🇵🇭🇺🇸 (@Benedict33) July 24, 2022
— Labrell Cain (@labrell38) July 25, 2022
I really respect Slava’s goals and intentions and hope he can help a lot of people.
— thecscollector (@thecscollector) July 25, 2022
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While many were shocked, his ultimate gesture has warmed the hearts of a lot of fans. And fans had words of appreciation and respect for the former Laker’s commendable work.
Lakers Ukrainian teammate of Kobe Bryant opens up
Medvedenko said, “We want to restore gyms because the Russian army bombed more than a hundred schools,”. He said that Ukraine needs a lot of money to fix the schools. However, he is worried that sports gyms are going to be last in the line to be fixed. Medvedenko also said that the winters in Ukraine would be harsh, so the kids need to play indoors.
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The former Laker said that he decided to sell the title rings after watching rockets launched by Russian forces in Kyiv. He said that he wondered why would he need the rings if they are just sitting in his safe. Medvedenko revealed that he realized he could die at any moment. And he decided to sell the rings to help his country and children.
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Medvedenko had his best season in the NBA in the 2003-04 season. He started 38 games that season and averaged 8.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.
What do you think about Slava Medvedenko’s gesture to help his country? Let us know in the comments.
