Lisa Leslie Set to Receive Historic Statue From Los Angeles Sparks

USC Retires Lisa Leslie’s Jersey in 2006

Photo Credit: NCAA.com

By: Joshua Martin

WNBA icon Lisa Leslie is once again making headlines. This time for receiving one of the highest honors in professional sports. The Los Angeles Sparks announced this week that Leslie will receive a statue outside Crypto.com Arena later this year, cementing her legacy not only in women’s basketball but in Los Angeles sports history. 

The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for September 20th before the Sparks take on the Portland Fire and the moment feels bigger than basketball. Leslie becomes just the second WNBA player ever to receive a franchise statue, joining Sue Bird in an rare and exclusive club. 

“To be cemented in Los Angeles, the city that raised me, I couldn’t be more proud to be a role model forever! God has blessed me and I have truly given my all to this sport and our community. I am thankful to my coaches, teammates, incredible fans, and, most importantly, my family and friends. As the saying goes, ‘The wolf is only as strong as the pack,’ and I’ve been fortunate to have an amazing pack supporting me every step of the way.”

— Lisa Leslie via statement

For longtime fans of the game, the recognition is well deserved. Leslie helped build the WNBA into what it is today. During her legendary run with the Sparks, she collected three league MVP awards, two championships, eight All Star appearances and became the first woman to dunk in a WNBA game.

But what makes this moment resonate deeper is the cultural impact Leslie continues to have. In an era where women’s basketball is reaching new heights, pioneers like Leslie laid the foundation long before sold out arenas and viral highlights became common. Her influence can still be felt across the sport, from today’s stars to the next generation watching from the sidelines.

“Lisa’s legacy isn’t just measured by championships and accolades, though; it’s defined by the doors she opened and the standard she set for generations to come. More than an athlete, she is a pioneer, a cultural icon and a force who elevated women’s basketball to new heights. This statue celebrates her excellence, her leadership and the future she helped create, and it ensures her impact will forever be part of the fabric of this city.”

— Earvin “Magic” Johnson via statement

Leslie, who currently works for CBS Sports as a WNBA analyst and panelist, had her No. 9 retired by the Sparks in 2010 and she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015 with career averages of 17.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.3 blocks.

---

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:

SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA