Full Breakdown
Lisa Leslie to Be Honored with Statue Outside Crypto.com Arena
5/15/2026, 4:51:57 AM
Statue Unveiling Announcement
The Los Angeles Sparks announced that a bronze statue of Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie will be installed in the Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena. The dedication is set for September 20, before the Sparks’ home game against the Portland Fire. The monument will join statues of Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Wayne Gretzky, Pat Riley, Oscar De La Hoya, Chick Hearn, Jerry West, Luc Robitaille, Bob Miller, Elgin Baylor, Dustin Brown and Gigi Bryant.
Career Overview & Milestones
Leslie played all 12 seasons (1997-2009) with the Sparks, appearing in 363 games and leading the team to back-to-back WNBA titles in 2001 and 2002. She was the league’s first dunker on July 30, 2002 against the Miami Sol. Her career totals include 6,263 points (13th all-time), 3,307 rebounds (6th) and 822 blocks (3rd). Leslie earned three MVP awards, two Finals MVPs, two Defensive Player of the Year honors, 12 All-WNBA selections and eight All-Star appearances. The Sparks retired her No. 9 jersey in 2010 and she entered the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
Official Statements & Responses
The Sparks’ press release called the statue a recognition of Leslie’s “excellence, leadership, and the future she helped create.” Team ownership added that the honor “ensures her impact will forever be part of the fabric of this city.” Sparks co-owner Earvin “Magic” Johnson said Leslie’s contributions to the franchise’s championships and her broader influence on women’s basketball make her “beyond deserving of this incredible honor.”
Why It Matters
The statue places Leslie among a roster of predominantly male sports icons, highlighting her role as a pioneer who broke gender barriers and expanded the visibility of women’s basketball. Her presence signals growing institutional recognition of female athletes and provides a tangible role model for future generations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To be cemented in Los Angeles, the city that raised me, I couldn't be more proud to be a role model forever!” — Lisa Leslie, former Sparks center
- “God has blessed me and I have truly given my all to this sport and our community.” — Lisa Leslie
- “I've known Lisa for nearly three decades and believe that she is beyond deserving of this incredible honor,” — Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers legend and Sparks co-owner
- “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.” — Earvin “Magic” Johnson
What's Next
The unveiling will take place on September 20, preceding the Sparks’ home game against the Portland Fire.
