The Los Angeles Sparks have honoured WNBA legend Lisa Leslie with a stunning bronze statue, celebrating one of the most influential players in franchise and league history.
Key Highlights of Lisa Leslie's Statue Unveiling:
- Historic Honour: Leslie is the first Sparks player and only the second WNBA star to be honoured with a franchise statue.
- Iconic Moment: The 11-foot bronze statue recreates Leslie's historic first dunk in WNBA history.
- Championship Legacy: Leslie helped the Sparks win back-to-back WNBA championships in 2001 and 2002 and collected multiple MVP awards.
- Star Plaza Landmark: The statue stands in Star Plaza, alongside other sporting legends in Los Angeles.
Lisa Leslie's Legacy Cast in Bronze
The 11-foot bronze sculpture captures Leslie's historic first WNBA dunk, while also celebrating her decorated career with the Sparks. Unveiled in Star Plaza, the statue makes Leslie the first Sparks player and only the second WNBA star to receive a statue from her franchise.
The Los Angeles Sparks celebrated Leslie's remarkable legacy with the unveiling of an 11-foot bronze statue outside the arena. The tribute commemorates more than her achievements on the court. Leslie was a pioneering figure for the Sparks and the WNBA, and the statue ensures her impact will remain part of Los Angeles' sporting landscape for generations to come.
The First WNBA Dunk Comes to Life
Positioned in Star Plaza on a 4 1/2-foot base, the statue recreates Leslie's history-making first dunk in WNBA history. Leslie also played an active role in ensuring the sculpture reflected more than her athletic achievements. She wanted details such as her lipstick, earrings and family names inscribed on her bracelets included in the statue.
"She has her lipstick on, she has on earrings, she has my family’s names on my bracelets," Leslie said, delighted with the result. "It’s gorgeous, and I just love that she has her ponytail, and when little girls walk around and get a chance to see it, they see a woman, The First Lady statue out there. That just means so much to me."
Leslie also wanted the statue to reflect the balance between her competitive nature and her femininity, describing the importance of capturing a "perfect blend of fearlessness and the competitor that I was... but also... I wore my ribbons, I had my nails polished."
ALeslie Joins Los Angeles Sporting Legends
The statue unveiling brought together several prominent names from the basketball world, including Magic Johnson, Candace Parker and Michael Cooper, who gathered to celebrate Leslie's career.
The honour also places Leslie among the 16 individuals to have received a statue in Star Plaza, alongside some of Los Angeles' most celebrated sporting figures.
A Career Built on Championships and Firsts
Leslie spent her entire WNBA career with the Sparks from 1997 to 2009, becoming the cornerstone of the franchise during its rise. She led Los Angeles to consecutive WNBA championships in 2001 and 2002 while earning three MVP awards during her career.
From becoming the first player to dunk in WNBA history to leading the Sparks to championships, Leslie's career was defined by historic achievements and lasting influence. The new statue now gives her legacy a permanent place in Los Angeles basketball.
