Los Angeles Sparks Honor Legend with Historic Star Plaza Statue

WNBA legend Lisa Leslie is being immortalized with a bronze statue in Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, marking a historic milestone for the two-time WNBA champion and four-time Olympic gold medallist, according to recent announcements surrounding the monument’s unveiling.

The monument places the basketball icon alongside other sports legends commemorated at the downtown Los Angeles entertainment complex. Leslie spent her entire 12-year Women’s National Basketball Association career with the Los Angeles Sparks, capturing league championships in 2001 and 2002 while earning three WNBA Most Valuable Player awards.

Reflecting on the permanent tribute in Star Plaza, Leslie described the experience of seeing her likeness rendered in bronze as surreal, noting that the reality of the statue coming to fruition carries deep personal and professional significance.

A Historic Career in Los Angeles

During her tenure with the Sparks from 1997 through 2009, Leslie established numerous benchmarks for women’s professional basketball. She became the first player to dunk during a WNBA regular-season game in 2002, cementing her status as a pioneer in the sport.

Her résumé includes eight WNBA All-Star selections and two WNBA Finals MVP awards. Beyond domestic league play, Leslie represented the United States national team, securing gold medals at the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996, Sydney in 2000, Athens in 2004, and Beijing in 2008.

Star Plaza Legacy

The Star Plaza site features statues honoring prominent figures across sports and entertainment who have shaped the cultural landscape of Los Angeles. Leslie joins a select group of athletes recognized at the venue, reflecting her enduring impact on basketball in Southern California.