Lisa Leslie Makes History with Crypto.com Arena Statue

Los Angeles is about to make history, cementing the legacy of a true sports pioneer. On September 20, the iconic Crypto.com Arena will unveil a statue honoring WNBA legend Lisa Leslie, marking a monumental moment not just for the city, but for women's professional sports nationwide.

The Los Angeles Sparks officially confirmed the highly anticipated tribute, announcing that Leslie's statue will stand proudly in Star Plaza. The unveiling ceremony will take place just before a home game where the Sparks face off against the Portland Fire. This event will solidify Leslie's place as both the first Los Angeles Sparks player and the first woman ever to receive a statue at the renowned downtown Los Angeles sports complex. It is a long-awaited recognition for an athlete who defined an era of women's basketball.

At 53 years old, Leslie's entire illustrious 12-year WNBA career, from the league's inaugural season in 1997 until her retirement in 2009, was spent dominating the court for the Los Angeles Sparks. She was the cornerstone of the franchise, leading them to their first-ever back-to-back championships in 2001 and 2002, firmly establishing the Sparks as a formidable force in the nascent league.

Her individual achievements are a testament to her unparalleled skill and impact. Leslie earned three WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, two Finals MVP honors, and was twice named Defensive Player of the Year. Beyond the professional league, she was a four-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA, achieving this incredible feat in 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008. She was selected to the All-WNBA team an astounding 12 times throughout her career.

Leslie still holds numerous franchise records for the Sparks, standing as their all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks, field goals, free throws, games played, and minutes played. One of her most iconic moments came on July 30, 2002, when she made history by becoming the first player to dunk in a WNBA game, a spectacular play against the Miami Sol that transcended the sport. Her No. 9 jersey was rightfully retired by the Sparks in 2010, and her legacy was further cemented with her induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.

Born and raised in Compton, California, Leslie's journey to basketball greatness began early. She excelled collegiately at USC, where her talent was recognized with the 1994 Naismith College Player of the Year award. After hanging up her jersey, Leslie remained a prominent figure, transitioning into roles as a respected sports analyst, a coach for the BIG3 Triplets, and a shrewd businesswoman. She further honed her skills by earning a master's degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. In her personal life, she is married to Michael Lockwood and they share two children.

The statue will join an elite collection of monuments in Star Plaza, a hallowed ground outside Crypto.com Arena dedicated to Los Angeles's most revered sports icons. This esteemed company includes basketball legends such as Kobe Bryant, who has multiple statues including one with his daughter Gianna Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Jerry West, and Elgin Baylor. Hockey greats Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille, and Dustin Brown are also honored, alongside boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya, and broadcasters Chick Hearn and Bob Miller. Legendary coach Pat Riley is also slated to receive a statue. Crafted by renowned sculptors Julie Rotblatt Amrany and Omri Amrany, Leslie's monument will be either the 16th or 17th such tribute, depending on how Kobe Bryant's multiple statues are counted.

This honor carries immense significance beyond Leslie's personal achievements, marking a crucial step in elevating the visibility and historical acknowledgment of women's professional sports. Leslie will be only the second WNBA player in league history to receive a statue from her franchise, following Sue Bird of the Seattle Storm. While the announcement is fresh, reports indicate that discussions for a statue honoring Leslie began as far back as 2019. However, these plans faced delays due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent changes in venue dynamics. The timing of this unveiling is particularly poignant, coinciding with the Sparks' 30th anniversary season. Leslie herself reflected on this synergy, noting that "everything is aligning so properly" for the organization's future, including plans for a new practice facility and a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) within the league.

Public figures, especially Leslie herself, have reacted with profound gratitude and enthusiasm. Leslie expressed her deep appreciation, stating, "This is an incredible honor. To be recognized in the city where I grew up and played my entire professional career means everything to me." She emphasized the personal connection, adding, "To be cemented in Los Angeles, the city that raised me, I couldn't be more proud to be a role model forever!" Leslie acknowledged the collective effort behind her success, saying, "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." During an appearance on ESPN's "First Take," she reiterated her excitement: "I'm getting my statue at Crypto.com Arena out in Los Angeles on Sept. 20. I will be cemented there. I'm humbled, I'm so grateful to be a role model in our city, in our community, have the ability to inspire young girls and boys to have been the face of the WNBA, and to see where our league is today." She even shared insights into the artistic process, remarking, "I hope she looks good. People don't realize how hard it is to make a statue look good. … They helped me to be super specific about every little thing down to my earlobe and fingernail tip."

Sparks co-owner Magic Johnson, himself a recipient of a Star Plaza statue, has been a vocal proponent of this recognition for Leslie. Back in March 2024, Johnson publicly shared his hope, writing, "You took the WNBA, women's basketball, and the city of Los Angeles to new heights. My friend, your legacy is already women's history. And now, your impact is continuing through your entrepreneurship! I am so proud of you. One day, I hope you get a well-deserved and earned statue outside Crypto!" Upon the official announcement, Johnson reiterated his praise, stating, "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." He concluded by noting, "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."

The unveiling of Lisa Leslie's statue is more than just a tribute to an individual athlete; it's a powerful statement about the growing recognition and respect for women's contributions to professional sports. Her journey from Compton to the Hall of Fame, crowned by this permanent monument, serves as an inspiration for countless aspiring athletes. As her image stands among Los Angeles's greatest, it will forever remind future generations of the trailblazer who broke barriers and elevated the game, both on and off the court.