Magic Johnson's Bold Statement Resurfaces After Lisa Leslie Announcement

Lisa Leslie had one of the most decorated careers in WNBA history during her time with the Los Angeles Sparks. She played 12 years in the league with the Sparks from 1997 to 2009, putting up 17.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.3 blocks per game in 363 contests.

She was selected to eight All-Star Games, 12 All-WNBA teams, four All-Defensive teams, won three MVP awards and two WNBA championships during her illustrious tenure. She was part of the 2015 class of inductees into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Leslie, now 53 years old, announced some exciting news on Thursday during an appearance on ESPN's "First Take."

The Sparks legend announced that she will be honored with a statue built outside of Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles in September.

"I'm getting my statue at Crypto.com Arena out in Los Angeles on Sept. 20," Leslie said. "I will be cemented there. I'm humbled, I'm so grateful to be a role model in our city, in our community, have the ability to inspire young girls and boys to have been the face of the WNBA, and to see where our league is today."

.@LisaLeslie announces that she will be receiving a statue! pic.twitter.com/hmtZCOlSxk

— First Take (@FirstTake) May 14, 2026

This announcement came over two years after Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson, who also has a statue outside the stadium, said that he thought Leslie should get one of her own.

"You took the WNBA, women's basketball, and the city of Los Angeles to new heights. My friend, your legacy is already women's history," Johnson wrote on March 22, 2024. "And now, your impact is continuing through your entrepreneurship! I am so proud of you. One day, I hope you get a well-deserved and earned statue outside Crypto!"

Johnson's hope is now coming true, as Leslie will be honored in four months with the 15th statue built at the arena. Hers will also be the first female statue made in the Star Plaza at Crypto.com Arena.

Related: WNBA Legend Lisa Leslie Career News Announced

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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 9:09 AM.