Lisa Leslie to Receive Statue Outside Sparks Arena, WNBA Icon Reacts to Honor in Video

The Los Angeles Sparks announced Thursday they're commissioning a statue to honor franchise legend Lisa Leslie outside of Crypto.com Arena.

"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. "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." 

The Hall of Famer is Southern California through and through. A native of Gardena, California, she was a star at USC before debuting with the Sparks in the WNBA's inaugural 1997 season. She spent her entire 12-year pro career in L.A.

Leslie is one of the greatest players in women's basketball history. During her WNBA run, she averaged 17.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game, finishing in the top 10 in total rebounds (3,307) and blocks (822).

The individual achievements also speak for themselves. Leslie was an eight-time All-Star, three-time MVP and two-time Defensive Player of the Year. During the postseason, she was a two-time WNBA Finals MVP when the Sparks won back-to-back titles in 2001 and 2002.

"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," Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson said.

"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."

The Sparks named their home court in Leslie's honor in 2006 and retired her No. 9 jersey in 2010.

She'll be just the second WNBA player ever to have a statue outside of a home arena. The Seattle Storm immortalized Sue Bird in bronze last August.