Lisa Leslie. A champion. Compton-raised. Queen of the Basketball Court.
The basketball legend stopped by Good Morning America to share the news with host Robin Roberts that the Los Angeles Sparks will honor her with a statue at Crypto.com Arena on
September 20. This news marks a historic first, making her the only woman to have a permanent monument in Star Plaza.
Long-time friend and Lakers legend Magic Johnson shared those words publicly when the announcement was made, calling her legacy ‘beyond deserving’ and naming her the ‘driving force’ behind the Sparks’ consecutive titles.
“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 in 2000 and 2001, and Lisa’s hard work and commitment has made her one of the best to ever play the game. 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, NBA Legend
She spent all twelve seasons of her WNBA career in Los Angeles, known for her versatility, a proficient rebounder who could move the floor at 6’5 in a way that made the position feel like it was invented for her. She was glamorous and dominant in the same breath, and Los Angeles knew exactly what it had. A retired No. 9 jersey, a Hall of Fame induction, and now a statue outside Crypto.com Arena further mark her as a rare breed, and this city is finally building something permanent enough to say so.
I grew up watching Lisa Leslie on TV, admiring her beauty and the way she dominated the floor. That smooth mid-range jumper. The effortless rebounds. Her presence. She was really special to watch.
So it’s only right that I put together some did-you-knows. Because did you know???
By age 12, Leslie already stood over 6 feet tall and wore size 12 shoes. Her mother bought her clothes in the men’s department.
Leslie modeled for Vogue, Sports Illustrated, and Elle after signing with the Wilhelmina agency out of college.
She was the first female player in professional sports to dunk in a game. First to record a double-double in the WNBA.
After retiring, she published her autobiography. The title alone tells you everything you need to know about who she is: Don’t Let the Lipstick Fool You.
Leslie married UPS pilot Michael Lockwood in November 2005. Their daughter, Lauren Jolie, was born first. Their son Michael Joseph was born in 2010, the same year the Sparks retired her number nine.
In 2021 she was inducted as an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
The ceremony is set for Sunday, September 20 at Crypto.com Arena before the Sparks take on the Portland Fire. Details on timing, programming, and fan opportunities will be announced closer to the date.
The post Lisa Leslie Set to Receive Her Own Statue from the Los Angeles Sparks first appeared on FLUENT IN BLK.