The Los Angeles Sparks are set to immortalize one of basketball's greatest pioneers. On Thursday, the franchise announced plans to honor Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie with a statue outside Crypto.com Arena—a fitting tribute to a player who redefined the game on and off the court.
Leslie becomes just the second player in WNBA history to receive such an honor from her team, joining Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird. The eight-time All-Star remains the Sparks' all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks, and numerous other categories—a testament to her dominance during a 12-year career spent entirely in Los Angeles.
"To be cemented in Los Angeles, the city that raised me, I couldn't be more proud to be a role model forever!" Leslie said in a statement. "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."
Leslie's impact on the franchise is undeniable. She led the Sparks to back-to-back WNBA championships in 2001 and 2002, cementing her legacy as one of the league's all-time greats. Her resume also includes four Olympic gold medals with USA Basketball, making her a global ambassador for the sport.
Magic Johnson, who has witnessed Leslie's journey firsthand, praised the decision. "I've known Lisa for nearly three decades and believe that she is beyond deserving of this incredible honor. She was the driving force behind bringing back-to-back championships to the Los Angeles Sparks franchise," Johnson said. "Lisa's hard work and commitment has made her one of the best to ever play the game. Her 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."
Leslie's No. 9 jersey was retired by the Sparks in 2010, and now she'll join an elite group of sports icons with statues in the plaza. The 15 existing sculptures include legends like Johnson, Wayne Gretzky, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant—placing Leslie among the pantheon of Los Angeles sports royalty.
The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for September 20, just before the Sparks take on the Portland Trail Blazers. For fans looking to celebrate Leslie's legacy, it's a moment to remember—and a perfect opportunity to show some Sparks pride in your game-day gear.