Sotheby’s & Goldin Auctions Present: A Century of Champions

2004 Shaquille O'Neal Game Used & Signed Los Angeles Lakers Reebok Sneakers - Both Signed (MEARS & Beckett)

2004 Shaquille O'Neal Game Used & Signed Los Angeles Lakers Reebok Sneakers - Both Signed (MEARS & Beckett) This pair of gargantuan Reeboks could only be filled by just one man – Shaquille O’Neal. The Hall of Famer wore these sneakers during his final season in Los Angeles – 2004. O’Neal rebounded from toe surgery that sidelined him for a large part of the 2002-03 season to help lead the Lakers to the playoffs one final time before he moved on to Miami. In that 2003-04 season, Shaq led the NBA in field goal percentage, 2-point field goal percentage and effective field goal percentage. He averaged 21.5 points per game and easily made the All-Star team. In the playoffs, Shaq led all players in field goal percentage and again averaged 21.5 points per game as the Lakers beat Houston, San Antonio and Minnesota before falling to Detroit in the Finals. Offered in this lot is a gigantic pair of white and gold Shaq-branded sneakers worn by the Hall of Famer during that final Lakers season. The Reebok sneakers are crafted out of Lakers gold and white leather. “SHAQ” is embroidered in silver and yellow at the top of each tongue and O’Neal’s number “34” is custom embroidered in gold on the back of each sneaker. A silver “Dunkman” silhouette is found on the outside of both sneakers and an MCITY hologram is affixed below. The soles feature his “34” and the “Dunkman” graphic silhouette of the Lakers star is repeated in purple along with a gold inset that reads “SHAQ.” The sneakers show good game use with the expected scuffs and abrasions on the soles and toes from hard league play. The laces are both present and appear to be original to the sneakers. The pair have each been signed by Shaq in bright blue marker adjacent to the silver “Dunkman” silhouette. The sneakers come with a LOA from MEARS (317087) for the game use and individual LOAs from Beckett Authentication Services (A31379 & A31380) for the signatures.

2004 shaquille o'neal game used & signed los angeles lakers reebok sneakers - both signed (mears & beckett)

Los Angeles Lakers | Capsule Collection

View 1 of Lot 10: 2000 World Champions Basketball Signed by Kobe Bryant & Shaquille O’Neal & Others

2000 world champions basketball signed by kobe bryant & shaquille o’neal & others

Important Watches: Part II

Dial: black tapisserie Calibre: cal. 3126/3840 automatic, 40 jewels Movement number: 385'336 Case: stainless steel, case back secured by 8 screws Case number: G08'266, 737/960 Closure: stainless steel Audemars Piguet buckle Size: 52 mm diameter Signed: case, dial and movement Box: yes Papers: yes Accessories: Audemars Piguet guarantee, instruction manual, service invoice dated January 2013 and presentation case with outer packaging Please note the leather strap derived from endangered species is for display purposes only and is not sold with the watch. The watch will be shipped with a Sotheby’s branded calf leather strap.

View 1 of Lot 292: Royal Oak Offshore 'Shaquille O'Neal', Reference 26133ST.OO.A101CR | A limited edition stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with date | Circa 2008

royal oak offshore 'shaquille o'neal', reference 26133st.oo.a101cr | a limited edition stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with date | circa 2008

The Scottie Pippen Collection

View 1 of Lot 33: 1995 All Star Team Signed Basketball | Signed by Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Reggie Miller, Scottie Pippen & Others

1995 all star team signed basketball | signed by shaquille o’neal, charles barkley, patrick ewing, reggie miller, scottie pippen & others

Holy Grails

Beckett Grading Services, BGS, 9 Mint, sealed plastic holder, Cert number: 0012893932

Beckett Grading Services, BGS, 9 Mint, sealed plastic holder, Cert number: 0012893932 Cardboard, Cloth, and Plastic

View 1 of Lot 9: 2004-05 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection All NBA Access Passes Triple Logoman #OYD Shaquille O'Neal/Yao Ming/Tim Duncan - BGS 9 | 1 of 1 | First Year of Exquisite Triple Logoman Cards

2004-05 upper deck exquisite collection all nba access passes triple logoman #oyd shaquille o'neal/yao ming/tim duncan - bgs 9 | 1 of 1 | first year of exquisite triple logoman cards

View 1 of Lot 2: 1997 All Star Team Signed Basketball | Signed by Michael Jordan, Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kevin Garnett and Others

1997 all star team signed basketball | signed by michael jordan, penny hardaway, patrick ewing, shaquille o’neal, charles barkley, kevin garnett and others

Summer Sports Classics

NIKE, NIKE Sneakers, Size 22 Rubber, Leather, Cotton Circa 2000

View 1 of Lot 9:  Shaquille O’Neal 2000 NBA Finals Game Worn & Signed Sneakers | Game 1 | John Salley Provenance | Championship Run 

shaquille o’neal 2000 nba finals game worn & signed sneakers | game 1 | john salley provenance | championship run

Gamers Only

These player-exclusive sneakers were worn by Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. In 2000 Shaq claimed both NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP. He wore the ‘Chromz’ model (though not necessarily this particular sneaker) during one of his greatest performances in Game 6 of the 2000 NBA finals when he scored 41 points (alongside Kobe Bryant’s 26) to close out the series against the Indiana Pacers.

These player-exclusive sneakers were worn by Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. In 2000 Shaq claimed both NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP. He wore the ‘Chromz’ model (though not necessarily this particular sneaker) during one of his greatest performances in Game 6 of the 2000 NBA finals when he scored 41 points (alongside Kobe Bryant’s 26) to close out the series against the Indiana Pacers. Dunk.net was a short-lived internet-exclusive sneaker and apparel company commissioned by Shaq in 2000 after the expiration of his 6 year Reebok contract. The ‘Chromz’ model was designed by Dallas Stokes and is reminiscent of Air Jordan 11 at mudguards, 12 at uppers, and 13 at midsoles. -Custom Dunk.net Chromz made for Shaquille O’Neal’s personal game use during the 2000-2001 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. -Signed by Shaquille O’Neal at the lateral side of each heel in blue marker. -Black and iridescent white uppers feature Dunk branding in black lettering and in white lettering on tongue. -'Chromz’ engraved on gold eyelets. -Dunk.net multicolor circular logo on outsoles and on heels with motif designs. -Gold Godzilla inspired outsoles. -Size 22, measures 16 inches long and 9 inches high. -Signatures are authenticated by PSA/DNA. -Game use authenticated by MEARS Authentication, LLC. To view Shipping Calculator, please click here

View 1 of Lot 802: Dunk.net Shaquille O’Neal Game Worn Dual Signed Chromz Player Exclusives

dunk.net shaquille o’neal game worn dual signed chromz player exclusives

Winter Sports Classic

View 1 of Lot 6: 2000 NBA Finals Game 6 Championship Clinching Game Used Ball | Kobe Bryant’s First NBA Championship | Shaquille O'Neal First NBA Championship & 41 Points | Signed by 12 Members of the Los Angeles Lakers including Hall of Fame Inductees Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal

2000 nba finals game 6 championship clinching game used ball | kobe bryant’s first nba championship | shaquille o'neal first nba championship & 41 points | signed by 12 members of the los angeles lakers including hall of fame inductees kobe bryant and shaquille o'neal

Court Classics | Basketball Sneakers 

REEBOK, REEBOK SHAQ REFLECTION, SIZE 22 Rubber, Leather, Cotton 1998

View 1 of Lot 19:  Shaquille O’Neal Los Angeles Lakers 1997-1998 Dual-Signed Sneakers |  Attribution of Wear by MEARS

shaquille o’neal los angeles lakers 1997-1998 dual-signed sneakers | attribution of wear by mears

The Games

REEBOK, REEBOK PUMPS, SIZE 22 Leather, Rubber, Cotton, Glue 1996

View 1 of Lot 49: Shaquille O'Neal Dual Signed Worn Reebok Pumps | Size 22

shaquille o'neal dual signed worn reebok pumps | size 22

SHAQ, SHAQ DUNKMAN, SIZE N.A Rubber, Leather, Cotton 2009

View 1 of Lot 17: Shaquille O’Neal Phoenix Suns 2008-2009 Game Worn Sneakers 

shaquille o’neal phoenix suns 2008-2009 game worn sneakers

View 1 of Lot 45: 1996 Team USA Signed Basketball | Signed by Shaquille O'Neal, Reggie Miller, Scottie Pippen, Charles Barkley, Penny Hardaway, and Others

1996 team usa signed basketball | signed by shaquille o'neal, reggie miller, scottie pippen, charles barkley, penny hardaway, and others

Important Sports Memorabilia and Cards

O'Neal was drafted as the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. He helped the Magic improve their record by 20 games in his rookie season, with the team ultimately missing the playoffs by only one game. O'Neal averaged 23.4 points and 13.9 rebounds per game and was named the 1993 NBA Rookie of the Year. His 7’ 1”, 330 pound frame belies his remarkable quickness and an explosive "drop step", (called the "Black Tornado" by Shaq). O'Neal's dominating physical presence has made him the centerpiece of four championship teams, three with the Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Miami Heat. One of the most engaging personalities in the game, Shaq was named as one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 1996 after only have been in the league for four years. This 1992-93 Orlando Magic rookie ensemble includes Shaq’s home jersey as well as his warm-up jacket and pants. Each of the garments feature proper custom Champion manufacturer’s tagging. Two accompanying letters state that the jersey was obtained directly from the equipment department of the Orlando Magic organization. All garments show light game-use and appear to have no alterations of any kind. Additional LOAs from MEARS (A5) and Grey Flannel.

shaquille o'neal 1992 orlando magic rookie ensemble incuding home jersey and warm-up suit

Important Watches

• cal. 3126/3840 automatic nickel lever movement, 59 jewels, mono-metallic balance • black textured dial, applied Arabic numerals and ruby-set reserved 3 and 2 representing Shaq's basketball jersey number, 3 subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour registers, aperture for date, outer ring calibrated for tachometer • oversized 18k white gold Royal Oak Offshore case, octagonal bezel set with 32 brilliant-cut diamonds, chronograph pushers in the band, screw-down crown, back secured by 8 screws • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Audemars Piguet buckle

a fine oversized limited edition white gold and diamond-set automatic chronograph wristwatch with date and registerscirca 2007 royal oak offshore shaquille o'neal no 53/96

GE1301

• cal. 3126/3840 automatic nickel lever movement, 54 jewels • black "tapisserie" decoration dial, Arabic numerals with 3 and 2 reversed and highlighted in red, luminescent hands, subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour register, aperture for date, outer tachometer scale • satin-finished Royal Oak case with bezel and case back secured by eight screws, sapphire crystal • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Audemars Piguet buckle

a large stainless steel limited edition automatic chronograph wristwatch with registers and dateref 26133st case g08449 no 920/960 royal oak shaquille o'neal circa 2009

Watches

• cal. 3126/3840 automatic winding movement • black guilloché dial, applied gray Arabic numerals with number 2 and 3 in red, 3 subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour registers, aperture for date • stainless steel Royal Oak case and bezel secured by 8 screws, push down chronograph buttons, solid case back secured by 8 screws • case, dial, and movement signed • with stainless steel Audemars Piguet buckle

a limited edition oversized stainless steel automatic chronograph wristwatch with registerscase g02878 no 182/960 royal oak offshore shaquille o'neal circa 2008

• cal. 3126/3840 automatic winding movement, 59 jewels • black Tapisserie dial, applied gray Arabic numerals with number 2 and 3 in red, 3 subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour registers, date aperture • stainless steel Royal Oak Offshore case and bezel secured by 8 screws, chronograph buttons to the band, case back engraved with a basketball player in action and secured by 8 screws • case, dial, and movement signed • with stainless steel Audemars Piguet buckle

a limited edition stainless steel automatic chronograph wristwatch with date and registerscase g02904 no 208/960 royal oak offshore shaquille o'neal circa 2008

A Private Single Owner Collection of Important Wines & Watches (Watches session)

• cal. 3126/3840 automatic winding movement, 59 jewels • black Tapisserie dial, applied gray Arabic numerals with number 2 and 3 in red, 3 subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour registers, date aperture • stainless steel Royal Oak Offshore case and bezel secured by 8 screws, push down chronograph buttons, case back engraved with a basketball player in action and secured by 8 screws • case, dial, and movement signed • with stainless steel Audemars Piguet buckle

a limited edition stainless steel automatic chronograph wristwatch with date and registerscase g02853 no 157/960 royal oak offshore shaquille o'neal circa 2008

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL joined the Orlando Magic in 1992, and was named the 1992-1993 NBA Rookie of the year. In 1996, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers, and currently plays for the Miami Heat.  A member of the 1996 gold-medal winning U.S. Olympic Basketball Team, "Shaq" was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history that same year. The 7-foot, 1-inch tall athlete whose first and middle names, Shaquille Rashaun, mean "Little Warrior" in Islam, may be intimidating on the court, but his warmth and charisma off-court have earned him an immense following. He has released five rap albums, starred in and made appearances in several films, and owns a record label. O'Neal uses his star status to provide a strong role model for youth. He supports a variety of youth-oriented foundations, including his own apparel business TWisM (The World is Mine), which he began in "hope of creating jobs and keeping kids out of trouble."

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL joined the Orlando Magic in 1992, and was named the 1992-1993 NBA Rookie of the year. In 1996, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers, and currently plays for the Miami Heat.  A member of the 1996 gold-medal winning U.S. Olympic Basketball Team, "Shaq" was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history that same year. The 7-foot, 1-inch tall athlete whose first and middle names, Shaquille Rashaun, mean "Little Warrior" in Islam, may be intimidating on the court, but his warmth and charisma off-court have earned him an immense following. He has released five rap albums, starred in and made appearances in several films, and owns a record label. O'Neal uses his star status to provide a strong role model for youth. He supports a variety of youth-oriented foundations, including his own apparel business TWisM (The World is Mine), which he began in "hope of creating jobs and keeping kids out of trouble." The king of the court, Shaq has Mickey joining in on the basketball action in "Dunk Mouse."

dunk mouse

View 1 of Lot 23: 2001 NBA Finals Game 5 Championship Clinching Game Used Ball | Kobe Bryant’s Second NBA Championship | Shaquille O'Neal’s Second NBA Championship & Finals MVP | Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers | Signed by 13 Members of the Los Angeles Lakers Including Hall of Fame Inductee Kobe Bryant

2001 nba finals game 5 championship clinching game used ball | kobe bryant’s second nba championship | shaquille o'neal’s second nba championship & finals mvp | los angeles lakers vs. philadelphia 76ers | signed by 13 members of the los angeles lakers including hall of fame inductee kobe bryant

Dial: black méga tapisserieCaliber: cal. 3126/3840 automatic movement, 59 jewelsCase: 18k white gold, case back secured by eight screwsCase number: 08513, No. 49/96Closure: 18k white gold Audemars Piguet buckleSize: width 48 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Audemars Piguet basketball form presentation box with outer packaging, Audemars Piguet Certificate of Guarantee and Authenticity booklet, Quality Control Certification, instruction and service booklets

royal oak offshore shaquille o'neala limited edition white gold and diamond set automatic chronograph wristwatch with date circa 2008

In conjunction with the NBA’s 50th Anniversary in 1996, the NBA named its 50 all-time greatest players. Remarkably, 49 of the 50 players selected were alive and present when they were honored as a part of the 1996-97 All-Star festivities. The celebration included the singing and subsequent unveiling of a series of these 25” by 39” lithographs. Printed on the highest quality acid-free paper, each piece bears the image of all of the 50 greatest players as selected by the NBA itself. The edition was limited to 250 individually numbered pieces worldwide with 50 going directly to the players. Just 200 signed lithos were offered to the public. And, after many were secured by league officials, an eager collecting community was left with an incredibly short supply. The lithograph features basketball’s early pioneers such as Mikan, Cousy, Arizin and Schayes, who transformed the fledging league from what was once considered little more than a traveling tent show, laying a foundation for the worldwide stage that is today’s NBA. All of the greatest players that followed on their path are also represented such as Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Shaquille O’Neal, etc. This example is numbered 84 of 100 from the “NBA Edition.” The NBA’s 50 Greatest Lithograph is easily the most comprehensive lithograph ever created in any sport. Accompanied by a leather bound certificate from the NBA signed by David Stern. Additional LOAs from PSA/DNA and JSA. Framed.

nba’s 50 greatest players signed lithograph

After retiring from basketball to serve seventeen months in the Chicago White Sox system as a AA outfielder and possibly recover from the murder of his father, in the spring of 1995 Michael Jordan sprung himself and rejoined the NBA fulltime for the 1995-96 season, culminating in the most spectacular comeback ever by an athlete.

After retiring from basketball to serve seventeen months in the Chicago White Sox system as a AA outfielder and possibly recover from the murder of his father, in the spring of 1995 Michael Jordan sprung himself and rejoined the NBA fulltime for the 1995-96 season, culminating in the most spectacular comeback ever by an athlete. If Jordan proved to be the most dominating player on the planet through his first career of nine All-Star Games and three straight NBA championships, the second career proved to be an even richer chapter. In 1995-1996, Jordan and the Bulls enjoyed one of the most remarkable years ever posted by any club and player. Jordan led the NBA with 30.4 points, winning a record eighth scoring championship, one more than Wilt.  The Bulls won a record 72 victories during the regular season and rolled easily through the playoffs with a 15-3 record. Chicago's combined record of 87-13 for the 1995-96 regular season and playoffs was the best in NBA history. Jordan captured the MVP awards for the regular season, All-Star Game and Finals, joining Willis Reed (1970) as the only two players to win all three honors in the same season. In this season, a more mature Jordan emerged. He was a far more effective and controlled jump-shooter and three-point scoring threat, but he could still turn on that burst of speed and drive (more like soar) to the basket when needed. Besides his league-leading 30.4 points per game, Jordan averaged 6.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.20 steals in 37.7 minutes per game, ranking third in the league in steals. This jersey was worn by Jordan in his tenth All-Star game, his first out of retirement, held at the Alamodome in San Antonio. He scored 20 points in 22 minutes and fed Shaquille O’Neal with several assists and won his second, and final All-Star MVP award in what was truly his most magical season. This jersey retains its Champion white tag with size 46 along with the Champion Exclusive tag made for the 1996 NBA All Star Weekend.  Interior tagging includes 3” extra body length flag tag.  Jordan has signed both the front and back of the jersey adding “Best Wishes” to the front signature.  The consignor obtained the jersey directly from Jordan. Also ncluded LOA from JSA Authentication (autographs), LOA from SCD Authentic (jersey), and a letter of provenance from the recipient.

michael jordan game worn and twice autographed all-star jersey, won game mvp award

• cal. 3126 / 3840, nickel lever movement, 59 jewels, monometallic balance • black méga tapisserie dial, stainless steel applied Arabic numerals with inverted 3 and 2 numerals in red, Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating, three subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30 minutes and 12 hours registers, aperture for date at 2 • stainless steel case and screw-locked crown, titanium pushpieces, back secured by 8 screws with engraving featuring a rendition of Shaq and the inscription, Royal Oak Offshore Shaquille O'Neal Limited Edition 784/960 • case, dial and movement signed • with a titanium Audemars Piguet buckle

a fine and rare stainless steel automatic chronograph wristwatch with datecase g 08313 no 784/960 royal oak offshore shaquille o' neal circa 2007

In conjunction with the NBA’s 50th Anniversary in 1996, the NBA named it’s 50 greatest players. Remarkably, 49 of the 50 players selected were alive and present when they were honored as part of the 1996-97 All-Star festivities. The celebration included the signing and subsequent unveiling of a series of these 25” x 39” lithographs. Printed on the highest quality acid-free paper, each piece bears the image of all of the 50 greatest players as selected by the NBA itself. The edition was limited to 250 individually numbered pieces worldwide with 50 going directly to the players. A scant 200 were offered to the public. However, after many were secured by league officials, an eager collecting community was left with an incredibly short supply. The 50 Greatest Players lithograph is the ultimate symbol of the NBA’s remarkable evolution. It features basketball’s early pioneers such as Mikan, Cousy, Arizin, and Schayes, who transformed the fledging league from what was once considered little more than a traveling tent show, laying a foundation for the worldwide stage that is today’s NBA. All of the greatest players that followed on their path are also represented such as Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Shaquille O’Neal, etc. The offered example is numbered 87 of 100 from the “NBA edition” and is framed to museum standards. The NBA’s 50 Greatest litho is easily the most comprehensive and important lithograph series ever created in any sport. An enduring symbol of basketball history that will never be equaled. Includes its original hardbound LOA signed by NBA Commissioner David Stern. Additional LOA: PSA/DNA.

nba’s 50 greatest player signed lithograph

This grand display piece includes an autographed card from each of the League’s 50 greatest players of all-time, as selected during a celebration of the NBA's Golden Anniversary in 1996. The so-honored hardwood legends includes 41 Basketball Hall of Famers and 9 (then) current stars (one selection, Pete Maravich, is deceased and another, Shaquille O'Neal, remains active in the NBA). The autographed cards encompass a multitude of issues, with many being scarce limited edition inserts. The double matted montage also includes a photo of the 50 Greatest honorees, and a plaquard engraved with each players name. This single display piece is a veritable archive of some of basketball’s most prominent signatures. LOA: PSA/DNA.

nba’s 50 greatest players autographed card display

West coast basketball was born when Minneapolis Lakers owner Bob Short packed up the club and moved it to Los Angeles before the 1960-61 season. Laker center George Mikan, the games first true superstar, had already laid the foundation for one of the most successful franchises in team sports history. It has been a storied history starring such legendary Hall of Famers as Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy and Magic Johnson. Today the legacy lives on, recently carried on the broad shoulders of Shaquille O’Neal and still infused by the raw talent and charisma of Kobe Bryant. Basketball, Los Angeles style, is more than a game. It’s an event, a social experience, a run and gun theatrical production that mirrors a city known as the entertainment capital of the world. But beyond the glitz and glamour is a Los Angeles basketball tradition that has endured for more than three decades, that of Winning. That tradition includes a string of Championships that has scarcely been rivaled in the history of American sports.   The legacy of the great Los Angeles Lakers Championship teams can still be heard ringing in the rafters of the Great Western Forum and felt in the electrified atmosphere within the palatial Staples Center. Offered here is the fruit of that legacy…  

West coast basketball was born when Minneapolis Lakers owner Bob Short packed up the club and moved it to Los Angeles before the 1960-61 season. Laker center George Mikan, the games first true superstar, had already laid the foundation for one of the most successful franchises in team sports history. It has been a storied history starring such legendary Hall of Famers as Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy and Magic Johnson. Today the legacy lives on, recently carried on the broad shoulders of Shaquille O’Neal and still infused by the raw talent and charisma of Kobe Bryant. Basketball, Los Angeles style, is more than a game. It’s an event, a social experience, a run and gun theatrical production that mirrors a city known as the entertainment capital of the world. But beyond the glitz and glamour is a Los Angeles basketball tradition that has endured for more than three decades, that of Winning. That tradition includes a string of Championships that has scarcely been rivaled in the history of American sports.   The legacy of the great Los Angeles Lakers Championship teams can still be heard ringing in the rafters of the Great Western Forum and felt in the electrified atmosphere within the palatial Staples Center. Offered here is the fruit of that legacy…       1972 – 33 In a Row! Owner Jack Kent Cooke brought in former USC star and Celtics standout Bill Sharman as coach. The team had to make do without Baylor, who retired early in the season, but they did have a balanced, mature, and experienced team with Hairston and Jim McMillian as forwards, Chamberlain in the pivot, and West and Goodrich at the guard spots. The Lakers started strong. Beginning on November 5th and ending on January 9th, the Lakers strung together a 33-game winning streak, an American professional sports record. The team rolled on to a 69-win year, setting a new NBA record for victories in a season. The team paced the league in points, rebounds, and assists. At season's end, Bill Sharman was named NBA Coach of the Year. The Lakers breezed right through the playoffs, sweeping the Chicago Bulls in the conference semifinals, ousting the Bucks in six games in the conference finals, and then zipping by the Knicks in the Finals, four games to one. After years of frustration the Lakers had finally earned an NBA Championship, the team's first in Los Angeles and the first for the franchise since 1954. Chamberlain was named Finals MVP.     1979-80 – Showtime Arrives Through a unique set of circumstances related to the departure of Gail Goodrich three seasons earlier, the Lakers found themselves holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 1979 NBA Draft. Los Angeles picked Earvin "Magic" Johnson, an electrifying 6-9 point guard who had led Michigan State to the 1979 NCAA Championship. "Showtime" had arrived, and a dynasty was established almost overnight. Inspired by the enigmatic rookie, Abdul-Jabbar turned in the best all-around performance of his career and earned his sixth and final Most Valuable Player Award. The Lakers were talented and deep-Jamaal Wilkes, Jim Chones, and Abdul-Jabbar made for an intimidating front line, and the backcourt of Johnson and Nixon were unrivaled. The Lakers' bench included Michael Cooper and Spencer Haywood. Los Angeles walked through the playoffs, taking each series in five games. The NBA Finals pitted the club against the Julius Erving-led Philadelphia 76ers, and the two teams split four close games to start the series. Abdul-Jabbar sprained his ankle in Game 5 but still scored 40 points to give the Lakers a 108-103 win. Abdul-Jabbar was unable to play in Game 6, but Johnson stepped up to turn in one of the most remarkable performances in NBA Finals history. Still just a 20-year-old rookie, Johnson moved from guard to center and tallied 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, single-handedly carrying the Lakers to a 123-107 victory and the NBA Championship. Johnson earned the first of three NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Awards.   1981-82 – The Riley Era Dawns Owner Jerry Buss fired coach Paul Westhead after the Lakers went 7-4 to start the 1981-82 season. Buss promoted Assistant Coach Pat Riley, a former Lakers backup point guard, to head coach on November 19, and the team won 17 of its next 20 games. The Lakers took the Pacific Division title and then embarked on one of the most impressive playoff journeys in NBA history. They swept both Phoenix and the San Antonio Spurs with an average margin of victory of 11 points. Los Angeles then stretched its postseason winning streak to nine games by taking the first contest of the NBA Finals from the 76ers. Philadelphia came back to win Game 2, but the Lakers prevailed in the series, four games to two, to win their second title in three years. The team's playoff record that year was 12-2.   1984-85: Finally! Lakers Beat Celtics In Finals The Lakers cruised to a fourth straight Pacific Division title in 1984-1985 despite losing Jamaal Wilkes for the season in mid-February because of torn knee ligaments. Los Angeles (62-20) took the division by an NBA-record 20 games. The club, at the height of its "Showtime" era, set two other NBA marks by posting a phenomenal .545 team field-goal percentage and handing out 2,575 assists. Los Angeles reached the NBA Finals after eliminating Phoenix, Portland, and the Denver Nuggets, chalking up an 11-2 record on the way. Facing Boston again in the championship round, the Lakers were humiliated in the first game, 148-114, a contest remembered as the "Memorial Day Massacre." But Los Angeles bounced back to take four of the next five games, led by 38-year-old series MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The 1985 series marked the ninth time that Los Angeles and Boston had met in the NBA Finals but the first time that the Lakers had come away with the crown.   1986-87: A Magic Season Magic Johnson won his first career NBA Most Valuable Player Award while leading the Lakers to a 65-17 record, the second-best mark in franchise history. Abdul-Jabbar, now 39 years old, chipped in 17.5 points per game, and Michael Cooper was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. The Lakers earned another matchup with the Celtics in the NBA Finals by sweeping Denver, losing just one game to Golden State, and then sweeping Seattle. Los Angeles routed Boston in the first two games of the Finals, and the teams then split the next four contests, giving the Lakers their second championship in three seasons. Johnson earned the NBA Finals MVP Award to go with his regular-season MVP trophy. At the Lakers' championship celebration in Los Angeles, Coach Riley brashly declared that the Lakers would repeat as NBA champions in 1987-88. It was a bold statement that served to motivate the team throughout the next season.   1987-88: Lakers Fulfill Riley's Prophecy The club finished with a 62-20 record that included a 15-game winning streak, the second longest in franchise history, and a seventh consecutive Pacific Division title. After sweeping San Antonio in the first round of the playoffs, Los Angeles was forced to the limit in each of the next two series. The Lakers struggled against both the Utah Jazz and the Dallas Mavericks before winning each series in seven games. In the NBA Finals the Lakers had a new opponent in the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons had grown into an Eastern Conference power thanks to Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer, and Dennis Rodman. Detroit had managed to unseat the Celtics in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals. The NBA Finals represented a clash of styles, with the run-and-gun Lakers battling the physical Pistons. The series went a grueling seven games, with players on both sides turning in heroic performances. The most heroic of all was turned in by James Worthy, who had a triple-double in Game 7 to lead the Lakers to a 108-105 victory. Worthy was named Finals MVP, and Los Angeles became the first club to repeat as NBA champions since the Boston Celtics in 1968-69.   1999-2000: Return to Dominance The 1999-2000 season was the beginning of a new era in Los Angeles Lakers basketball. The team hired a new head coach in former Chicago Bulls lead man Phil Jackson, and for the first time in 31 years the Lakers would play their home games somewhere other than the Great Western Forum, as the club moved into the brand new 18,997-seat STAPLES Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Reminiscent of Magic/Jabaar, the Lakers possessed the leagues most dominant 1-2 punch in Shaquille O'Neal and young Kobe Bryant. Not limited to individual efforts, the new coaching staff, the veteran additions, and the returning players all meshed incredibly well as the club got off to a fast start, registering wins in 25 of their first 30 games and reeling off a 16-game winning streak in the first half of the season. The Lakers stormed though the remainder of the regular season achieving the best record in the league (67-15) and earning homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs. The Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers went to seven games, as the Lakers staged a miraculous comeback. Trailing by 13 points entering the fourth quarter of Game Seven, the Lakers fought back to win the game and the Western Conference Championship. Boosted by their improbable comeback, the Lakers went on to defeat the Indiana Pacers in six games, earning their first NBA Championship since 1988. O'Neal became only the third player to be named Most Valuable Player of the regular season, All-Star Game and the NBA Finals.   2000-01: Back to Back-to-Back With a nucleus that included two of the NBA's best players in Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant and a head coach that has won seven NBA titles in Phil Jackson, the Lakers began the season with aspirations of winning a second consecutive NBA Championship. However the injury ridden team limped to a mere 31-16 record at the All-Star break, already picking up one more loss than during the entire 1999-2000 campaign. The Lakers battled through injuries to Fisher, O'Neal and Bryant, but as the club returned to full health, the Lakers began to pick up steam heading into the postseason. After a 96-88 win over the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on April 3, the Lakers ran off eight consecutive victories, their longest winning streak of the season, and were able to claim their second consecutive Pacific Division title, edging out the Sacramento Kings in the last week of the season. Los Angeles would not lose another contest until Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, sweeping Portland, Sacramento and San Antonio. Philadelphia surprised the Lakers with a 107-101 overtime victory at STAPLES Center, but Los Angeles went on to victories in each of the next four games to claim a second consecutive NBA title.   2001-02: Thrice as Nice With a third consecutive NBA Championship squarely in their sights, the Los Angeles Lakers opened the 2001-02 regular season much like they ended the 2000-01 campaign, with a flourish. Despite some key injuries, the team registered victories in their first seven games and 16-of-17 to start the season. The Lakers became only the 11th team to start a season with wins in 16 of their first 17 games and the first since the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls. The Lakers entered the postseason as the number three seed in the Western Conference and met up with the Portland Trail Blazers for the third consecutive season. Up two games to zero, Robert Horry connected on a three-pointer with 2.1 seconds remaining to give the Lakers a three-game sweep. In the Western Conference Semifinals, Los Angeles defeated the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 to set up a series between the teams with the league’s two best regular season records, the Lakers and the Pacific Division Champion Sacramento Kings. In one of the most exciting playoff series in recent memory, the Lakers emerged victorious, 4-3, after a 112-106 overtime victory at ARCO Arena in game seven.  Los Angeles faced the New Jersey Nets in the 2002 NBA Finals and won the series in four games. Averaging 36.3 points and 12.3 rebounds, O’Neal was named NBA Finals MVP for the third consecutive season, joining Michael Jordan as the only players to have accomplished that feat.  Phil Jackson earned his ninth NBA Championship as a head coach and surpassed Pat Riley for most playoff wins all-time.   On behalf of the Los Angeles Lakers, we are pleased to present this offering that is unprecedented in the field of professional sports; an original World Championship ring from each of the Lakers nine NBA titles in Los Angeles. The winner of this group will become one of only two individuals to lay claim to all nine Los Angeles Lakers Championship rings, the other being Hall of Fame legend Jerry West. Each 14k gold and diamond ring, produced by the Lakers exclusive jeweler Howard Kaplan of Henry Kay jewelers is exact in every respect to those awarded to the players and top team officials. Prior to delivery, each ring will be customized with the addition of the winning bidder’s last name. A letter of authenticity from the Lakers and Howard Kaplan will accompany each ring, as will a fine wood presentation box for each.   In sports, the word “ring” is used in both a figurative and literal sense to describe the ultimate achievement – winning a Championship. Most professional athletes and coaches dedicate their lives to the pursuit of just one, yet most careers end with that quest unfulfilled. The offered collection of rings symbolizes the Lakers greatest seasons, seasons in which the quest was fulfilled for a select few. Presented on behalf of the franchise, this once in a lifetime offer (not to be repeated) will afford one collector the opportunity to own a tangible link to the Los Angeles Lakers basketball dynasty.

Results for "Shaquille O'Neal"