Sparks unveil statue honoring Lisa Leslie outside Crypto.com Arena

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (CNS) — What the Sparks are billing as a celebration of the statue of Lisa Leslie that will be located outside of Crypto.com Arena will be held at Sunday’s game against the Portland Fire.

Leslie will be recognized at halftime. Fans will receive a commemorative ticket upon entry to the arena that will “come to life” after scanning the QR code on the back, according to the Sparks.

A limited number of tickets will have a autograph from Leslie.

There will also be photo opportunities on the concourse to celebrate Leslie.

The statue will be available for public viewing Monday.

Leslie played for the Sparks from their inaugural 1997 season through 2009. She was a three-time recipient of the league’s most valuable player award and led the Sparks to championships in 2001 and 2002. She was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.

“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 released May 14, the day the Sparks announced a statue of her would be in Star Plaza outside the arena.

“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.”

Leslie will be the 16th person and second female with a statue outside Crypto.com Arena. The other female is Gigi Bryant, killed along with her father Kobe Bryant in a 2020 helicopter crash.

The Leslie statue was created by renowned sculptors/artists Julie Rotblatt Amrany and Omri Amrany.

“Lisa’s hard work and commitment has made her one of the best to ever play the game,” fellow Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson said in the statement announcing a statue of Leslie would be in Star Plaza.

“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. “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.”