Sparks to Celebrate WNBA Legend Lisa Leslie with Statue at Crypto.com Arena

Statue of Lisa Leslie to be Unveiled Outside Crypto.com Arena

A statue honoring Lisa Leslie, former Sparks and USC star, will join other sports icons at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The unveiling is scheduled for September 20, prior to the Sparks’ game against the Portland team.

The Hall of Fame member, who hails from Gardena, expressed her pride in a statement: "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."

Leslie, an eight-time All-Star, previously scored a remarkable 101 points in the first half of a high school game at Morningside High School in Inglewood. She becomes one of only two WNBA players, alongside Sue Bird, to be honored with a statue by their respective franchises.

In addition to being the Sparks’ all-time leader in points, rebounds, and blocks, Leslie was instrumental in shaping the early landscape of the WNBA after being drafted seventh overall by the Sparks in their inaugural draft in 1997. She spent her entire 12-year career with the team, contributing significantly to their back-to-back championships in 2000 and 2001.

“Lisa’s hard work and commitment has made her one of the best to ever play the game," said Magic Johnson. “Her legacy isn’t just measured by championships and accolades; it’s defined by the doors she opened and the standard she set for generations to come."

Leslie also achieved remarkable success with Team USA, winning four Olympic gold medals. She made history in 2002 as the first WNBA player to dunk in a game and was the first to surpass 3,000, 4,000, and 6,000 career points.

Retiring in 2009 as the league’s all-time leader in points and rebounds, Leslie’s No. 9 jersey was retired by the Sparks in 2010. The statue will join 15 other notable figures in the plaza outside the arena, including Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant. Prominent sculptors and artists Julie Rotblatt Amrany and Omri Amrany will create the statue.