Abdul-Jabbar puts four title rings up for auction

Hall of Fame center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has put four of his NBA championship rings up for auction.

Abdul-Jabbar has hundreds of items from his memorabilia collection available in the auction, being conducted by Goldin Auctions, with "much of the proceeds" going to his Skyhook Foundation charity to help benefit kids learn about science, technology, engineering and math.

Besides the 1980, 1985, 1987 and 1988 championship rings he earned as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, Abdul-Jabbar is auctioning off a game-used signed and inscribed basketball from his final game in 1989. He finished his legendary career with an NBA-record 38,387 points.

"When it comes to choosing between storing a championship ring or trophy in a room, or providing kids with an opportunity to change their lives, the choice is pretty simple. Sell it all," Abdul-Jabbar wrote on his blog about why he's auctioning off valuables from his sports history.

"Looking back on what I have done with my life, instead of gazing at the sparkle of jewels or gold plating celebrating something I did a long time ago, I'd rather look into the delighted face of a child holding their first caterpillar and think about what I might be doing for their future.

"That's a history that has no price."

Abdul-Jabbar, 71, wrote that he's "on a solid financial path" and is not selling the items due to money trouble.

Some of the championship rings start with a minimum bid of $60,000. Also available on the website are game-worn jerseys, uniforms, trophies and even various keys to cities that he received.

"Since my life is still happening and ever-evolving, I am less personally attached to those items than I am to my desire to create new history for myself -- and futures for others," Abdul-Jabbar said. "Much of the proceeds from my auction will go to support my charity, the Skyhook Foundation, whose mission is to 'give kids a shot that can't be blocked.'

"We do this by sending children from economically challenged schools to five days in the Angeles National Forest to experience the wonders of nature and learn the basics about science, technology, and engineering."

Abdul-Jabbar is a six-time NBA champion; he won his first ring as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks, followed by five with the Lakers.