Leslie Statue Unveiled at Crypto.com Arena Honoring WNBA Legend
WNBA legend Lisa Leslie has been immortalized in bronze outside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The LA Sparks unveiled her statue, dubbed 'The First Lady,' on Sunday during a ceremony that celebrated the icon's achievements. Designed by artists Julie Rotblatt Amrany and Omri Amrany, the 11-foot sculpture captures Leslie mid-dunk in a nod to her historic 2002 in-game dunk.
The statue marks Leslie's legacy as one of the greatest players in WNBA history. She played for the LA Sparks for 12 seasons, winning three MVP awards, two championships, and four Olympic gold medals along the way. Leslie remains the franchise's all-time leader in points, rebounds, and blocks.
'I wanted to make sure that this statue was a perfect blend of fearlessness and the competitor that I was,' Leslie said during the ceremony. She praised the growth of the women's game, saying 'I'm so proud of where the women's game is.' The league now has the support Leslie had always hoped for.