Lisa Leslie is, without question, one of the greatest WNBA players ever.
The 6-foot-5 USC product ranks sixth all-time in rebounding, third in blocks and first in career defensive rating. Leslie is one of four players to win at least three MVP awards, and she was twice named Defensive Player of the Year. She also won two championships and was the MVP of both of those Finals.
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And she spent her entire decorated career with the Los Angeles Sparks, who are giving Leslie a historic honor.
The Sparks will erect a statue of Leslie outside of their home at Crypto.com Arena. The statue will be unveiled on Sept. 20 ahead of the Sparks’ game against the Portland Fire.
“To be cemented in Los Angeles, the city that raised me, I couldn’t be more proud to be a role model forever,” Leslie said in a statement. “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.”
Leslie wrapped up her impressive college career at USC in 1994. For the Trojans, she was a four-time All-Pac-10 selection, a two-time All-American and consensus National Player of the Year as a senior. In 1996, she led the U.S. national team in scoring at the 1996 Olympics with 19.5 points per game as the Americans won the gold medal in Atlanta.
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In 1997, Leslie’s career with Sparks kicked off with WNBA itself. She was a 12-time All-WNBA selection, an eight-time All-Star, led the league in rebounding three times and twice led it in blocks. She finished in the top four of MVP voting nine times.
Leslie captured three more Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 2000, 2004 and 2008. She has been inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and FIBA Hall of Fame.
In 2002, Leslie became the first player to dunk in a WNBA game. She became one of the most recognizable players of the league’s early years. One example of that is how often she was name-checked in hip-hop hits by the likes of Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Childish Gambino, Wale, Lloyd Banks and A$AP Ferg. She also appeared on TV shows like Sister Sister and The Simpsons.
“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 to come,” said Magic Johnson, a co-owner of the Sparks. “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.”
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Leslie will join an exclusive group of women’s basketball players who have their own statues. The Seattle Storm made one for Sue Bird, A’ja Wilson and Dawn Staley both have statues near South Carolina’s campus, Seimone Augustus has a statue outside of LSU’s arena, Old Dominion has one for Nancy Lieberman, and Louisiana Tech has statues for Kim Mulkey and Teresa Weatherspoon on its campus, among a few others.
The statue of Leslie will be at Star Plaza near Crypto.com Arena, joining statues of other famous athletes like Magic Johnson, Wayne Gretzky, Oscar De La Hoya, Shaquille O’Neal, Jerry West and Kobe Bryant.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LA Sparks will honor Lisa Leslie with a statue outside of Crypto.com Arena
