The city that raised Lisa Leslie is preparing to give her a permanent home outside the arena where she made history. The Los Angeles Sparks announced Thursday that the multi-time champion and MVP will be honored with a statue in Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena.

The ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 20, placing Leslie among a select group of athletes who have defined Southern California sports. She joins the likes of Kobe Bryant, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Leslie is only the second player in WNBA history to receive a statue from her franchise, a testament to her impact on the game since its inception.

During her 12 seasons in Los Angeles, Leslie's resume became one of the most decorated in professional basketball. A three-time league MVP and four-time Olympic gold medalist, she led the Sparks to back-to-back titles in 2001 and 2002. She was also the first player to dunk in a WNBA game, a moment that remains etched in the league’s history.

In a statement, Leslie expressed her pride in being a permanent fixture in her hometown. She noted that being cemented in the city where she grew up is a proud moment for her as a role model. She credited her success to her coaches, teammates, and fans, emphasizing that she has given her all to the sport and the local community.

The USC product finished her career as a 12-time All-WNBA selection and an eight-time All-Star. She remains the Sparks' all-time leader in several categories, including points, rebounds, and blocks.

Magic Johnson, whose likeness is in the plaza, praised Leslie’s work ethic and the standard she set for those who followed her. He noted that the honor celebrates her leadership and the future she helped build for women’s basketball. Leslie’s No. 9 jersey was previously retired by the Sparks in 2010.