Lisa Leslie is about to make history once again. The three-time WNBA champion and former MVP will become the first Los Angeles Sparks player to receive a statue outside Crypto.com Arena, a fitting tribute to a pioneer who helped define the franchise.
For years, fans have called for Leslie to be immortalized alongside the Lakers and Kings legends that line the arena's plaza. Even Leslie herself didn't dare dream of such an honor—especially since her jersey had been retired 15 years ago without any other Sparks player getting a statue. Now, she'll join Seattle's Sue Bird as just the second WNBA player ever to be honored with a statue at a team's home arena.
"One thing I never had on my bucket list was a statue," Leslie told The Times. "I grew up seeing the statues of some of the amazing Lakers, so I'm just really grateful to be alive and to be one of the first, especially in the WNBA for L.A. Sparks. It means a lot to me, and I'm really hoping that our community will really rally around it."
The Sparks made the announcement Thursday morning, with the statue set to be unveiled during a ceremony on Sept. 20 before a game against the Portland Fire. It's a moment that will undoubtedly resonate with fans who remember Leslie's dominance on the court and her impact off it.
During her 12-year career with the Sparks, Leslie was nothing short of spectacular. She led the team to three WNBA titles, earned league MVP honors, and captured four Olympic gold medals. She also made history as the first player in WNBA history to dunk in a game—a moment that still gives fans chills. Her No. 9 jersey was retired in 2010, but her legacy continues to grow.
Leslie was one of the Sparks' original players in 1997 and remains the franchise's career leader in points, rebounds, blocks, field goals, free throws, offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, minutes, and games played. She's also third in the WNBA in blocks and double-doubles—a testament to her incredible consistency and skill.
"I've known Lisa for nearly three decades and believe that she is beyond deserving of this incredible honor," said Lakers legend Magic Johnson, a fellow statue honoree and part of the Sparks ownership group. "She was the driving force behind bringing back-to-back championships to the Los Angeles Sparks franchise in 2000 and 2001, and Lisa's hard work and commitment has made her one of the best to ever play the game."
Johnson, who has been vocal about his commitment to the Sparks' success, accepted responsibility for the team's recent struggles and promised to do more. With Leslie's statue, the Sparks are not just honoring a legend—they're building a legacy that will inspire the next generation of players and fans alike.