WNBA legend Lisa Leslie will be receiving a statue outside of the Crypto.com Arena this September, and she gave the WNBA Tip-Off crew a preview of what it will look like.
Leslie stood on top of a stand and posed in a variety of ways to showcase what her statue would consist of. Whether it’s her crossover or a selfie-style pose, it’s clear that however she stands will capture what she’s accomplished in a unique fashion.
Check out Leslie previewing her statue below.
The Los Angeles Sparks announced that she would get a statue at the Star Plaza at the Crypto.com Arena earlier this month. In a statement, Leslie expressed her excitement for the statue that’ll recognize her profound impact on the game of basketball for women.
“To be cemented in Los Angeles, the city that raised me, I couldn’t be more proud to be a role model forever!” she said. “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.”
Earvin “Magic” Johnson also released a statement about the statue.
"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 have made her one of the best to ever play the game,” he said.
“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,” he added. “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.”
Leslie remains the all-time leader in points, rebounds, free throws, blocks, field goals, offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, Defensive Win Shares, minutes, and games for the Sparks. She’s also a two-time WNBA champion who ranks in the top 15 in league history in categories like double-doubles, defensive rebounds, and scoring.
