By: Jennifer Portee
5/14/2026
Los Angeles doesn’t just remember greatness it keeps its memory alive. This fall, Los Angeles will put one of its all-time greats on display when the Sparks unveil a statue of Lisa Leslie in the Star Plaza at Crypto.com Arena.
Set for Sunday, September 20, the ceremony will take place ahead of the Sparks’ matchup against the Portland Fire, marking a defining moment not only for the franchise but for women’s basketball as a whole.
Lisa Leslie’s legacy runs deeper than championships or highlight reels. Raised in Los Angeles and became a global icon who helped shape the WNBA from the very beginning. As one of the league’s original superstars, Leslie didn’t just compete she elevated the game, redefining expectations and pushing the game further into mainstream entertainment.
Her résumé speaks loudly: three-time WNBA MVP, four-time Olympic gold medalist, and the backbone of the Sparks’ championship runs in the early 2000s. But numbers alone don’t capture her full impact. Leslie became the first woman to dunk in a WNBA game, a moment that shifted perceptions and symbolized a new era of athletic possibility.
Within the Sparks organization, her dominance remains unmatched. She still leads the franchise across nearly every major statistical category, from scoring and rebounding to defensive metrics and longevity. More importantly, she set a standard of excellence that continues to shape the team’s identity today.
For those who watched her career unfold, the honor feels overdue. Earvin “Magic” Johnson, a longtime figure in Los Angeles sports culture, described Leslie as more than a champion calling her a transformative force whose influence opened doors for generations of athletes. In a city known for legends, her presence stands among the most impactful.
The statue itself will join an elite collection of sports icons outside Crypto.com Arena, placing Leslie alongside names like Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Magic Johnson. Perfectly suited for someone whose impact went far beyond game nights. Her influence reached into media, the business world, and local community initiatives.
Leslie’s voice remains just as powerful today as it was during her playing days. Reflecting on the honor, she emphasized pride in representing her hometown and gratitude for the support system that carried her throughout her journey. Her words reflects a career built not just on individual excellence, but on connection: team, family, and community.
As anticipation builds for the September ceremony, one thing is clear: this isn’t just about commemorating a player. It’s about recognizing a movement. Lisa Leslie helped bring women’s basketball into the mainstream spotlight, and now her legacy will stand permanently in the heart of Los Angeles visible, celebrated, and impossible to overlook.