Los Angeles Sparks Legend Lisa Leslie to Be Honored with Statue at Crypto.com Arena
The Los Angeles Sparks have announced a historic tribute to franchise icon and Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie. The organization will honor the WNBA legend with a permanent statue located in the iconic Star Plaza at Crypto.com Arena, recognizing her profound impact on the game of basketball and the city of Los Angeles.
Ceremony Details and Location
The unveiling ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 20. The event will be held in Star Plaza, just outside the home of both the Sparks and the Lakers, ahead of the scheduled matchup between the Sparks and the Portland Fire.
From Instagram — related to Star Plaza, Ceremony Details and Location
The statue serves as a permanent recognition of Leslie’s role in elevating women’s basketball and her influence on the generations of athletes who followed her career.
A Historic Milestone for the WNBA
Lisa Leslie has been a cornerstone of the WNBA since the league’s inception in 1997. Her career is defined by her leadership and her role in bringing back-to-back championships to the Los Angeles Sparks franchise in 2000 and 2001.
This honor marks a significant milestone not only for Leslie but for the league itself. She becomes just the second player in WNBA history to be honored with a statue by her respective franchise.
Tributes from a Legend and a Peer
In a statement regarding the honor, Leslie expressed her pride in being recognized by her home city.
Lisa Leslie getting much deserved statue outside Crypto.com arena…….BOUT TIME
“To be cemented in Los Angeles, the city that raised me, I couldn’t be more proud to be a role model forever!” said Leslie. “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.”
Receive Statue Outside Crypto Hall of Famer Lisa
Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who has known Leslie for nearly three decades, also shared his praise for her contributions to the sport and the community.
“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,” Johnson said. “More than an athlete, she is a pioneer, a cultural icon and a force who elevated women’s basketball to new heights. This statue celebrates her excellence, her leadership and the future she helped create, and it ensures her impact will forever be part of the fabric of this city.”
Key Takeaways
Honoree: WNBA Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie.
Location: Star Plaza at Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles.
Ceremony Date: Sunday, September 20, prior to the Sparks vs. Portland Fire game.
Historical Significance: Leslie is only the second player in WNBA history to receive a franchise statue.
Major Achievements: Led the Sparks to back-to-back championships in 2000 and 2001.
