Lisa Leslie to get lasting tribute with arena statue

One of the greatest players in women’s basketball history will soon have a permanent place in Los Angeles. A life-sized statue of Lisa Leslie will be unveiled outside Crypto. com Arena before the Sparks’ September game against the Portland Fire. The ceremony marks another step in honoring athletes who shaped the city’s sports culture. Leslie stands out not just for her skills but for what she represented. Drafted by the Sparks in 1997, she spent her entire 12-year career with the team, leading them to back-to-back titles in 2001 and 2002. Her trophy case includes three league MVPs, two Finals MVPs, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards. Over time, she earned eight All-Star nods, twelve All-WNBA selections, and four All-Defensive honors. In 2002, she made history by becoming the first WNBA player to dunk in a game.Her numbers tell only part of the story. Over 363 games, she averaged nearly 18 points and 9 rebounds per contest. She ranks among the league’s top scorers, rebounders, and shot-blockers ever. The Sparks retired her number nine in 2010, and five years later, she entered the Hall of Fame. Even after retiring, she stayed connected to the game as a CBS Sports analyst, breaking barriers as one of the first prominent female voices in basketball broadcasting. The tribute isn’t just about past achievements. It reflects how Leslie influenced the sport itself. By dominating on both ends of the court, she helped shift how people viewed women’s basketball. Her leadership and consistency set a standard for future players. The statue will serve as a reminder of her impact—not just on the Sparks, but on generations of athletes who followed.