Lisa Leslie to Be Immortalized With First Sparks Statue Outside Crypto.com Arena

The Los Angeles Sparks are set to enshrine one of the most influential figures in franchise and league history, announcing plans to unveil a statue honoring Lisa Leslie later this WNBA season. The ceremony is scheduled to take place prior to the team’s home matchup against the Portland Fire on September 20.

The game, positioned near the end of the regular season, will serve as a milestone moment for both Leslie and the organization, as it recognizes her lasting impact on the franchise. The unveiling will mark one of the most significant individual honors ever given by the Sparks.

The statue will also represent a historic first for the franchise, as Leslie becomes the first Sparks player to be immortalized outside Crypto.com Arena. The move places her alongside a select group of Los Angeles sports legends honored with similar tributes.

Inside the arena, Leslie already stands among elite company, having her jersey retired alongside fellow Sparks greats Candace Parker and Penny Toler. The statue, however, elevates her recognition to an even more permanent public landmark.

1. A Franchise Cornerstone Honored

Lisa Leslie’s career with the Sparks began ahead of the league’s inaugural 1997 season when she was selected in the WNBA allocation draft. The league placed her with Los Angeles in part due to her local ties, having starred at Morningside High School and USC. From the outset, Leslie became the centerpiece of the franchise and a defining face of the WNBA in its early years. Her presence helped establish the Sparks as one of the league’s premier organizations. She spent her entire 12-year career with Los Angeles, briefly stepping away only during the 2007 season for maternity leave before returning to the court. Her longevity with the franchise reinforced her status as a foundational figure. Through her consistent dominance, Leslie became synonymous with the Sparks’ identity both on and off the court.

2. A Career Defined by Championships and Accolades

Leslie remains the Sparks’ all-time leading scorer and one of the most decorated players in league history. Her résumé includes eight All-Star selections, three Most Valuable Player awards, and two Defensive Player of the Year honors. She played a central role in guiding Los Angeles to back-to-back WNBA championships in 2001 and 2002, cementing the franchise’s early legacy as a dynasty. Her performances in those title runs elevated her status as one of the league’s defining stars. Beyond scoring, Leslie was known for her defensive presence and versatility, consistently impacting games on both ends of the floor. Her ability to dominate inside while contributing across multiple categories made her one of the most complete players of her era. Her career achievements helped set a standard for future generations of WNBA players who followed in her footsteps.

3. Lasting Legacy in Los Angeles Sports History

Leslie’s impact extends beyond statistics and championships, as she played a key role in shaping the visibility and growth of women’s basketball in Los Angeles and beyond. Her influence helped elevate the Sparks during the league’s formative years. Her career averages of 17.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game reflect her consistent dominance over more than a decade of play. Those numbers underscore her versatility and long-term excellence. Shooting 47 percent from the field and nearly 70 percent from the free-throw line, Leslie combined efficiency with volume scoring, making her one of the most reliable stars of her time. The upcoming statue ensures her legacy will be permanently visible outside Crypto.com Arena, placing her among the most celebrated athletes in Los Angeles sports history.