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Lisa Leslie

Lisa Leslie – WNBA News, Rumors & Updates, Stats

Who is Lisa Leslie?

Lisa Leslie is a basketball legend, widely regarded as one of the most influential players in women’s basketball history. A former WNBA superstar, four-time Olympic gold medalist, and two-time WNBA champion, Leslie revolutionized the women’s game with her dominance, athleticism, and leadership. She became the first woman to dunk in a WNBA game and is celebrated as a trailblazer who helped bring global recognition to women’s basketball.

Quick Facts

Detail Information
Full Name Lisa Deshaun Leslie
Born July 7, 1972 (Age: 53)
Hometown Gardena, California
Height 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Position Center
College University of Southern California (USC)
WNBA Draft 1997 Allocation Draft – Los Angeles Sparks
WNBA Team Los Angeles Sparks (1997–2009)
WNBA Championships 2× (2001, 2002)
WNBA MVP Awards 3× (2001, 2004, 2006)
Olympics 4× Gold Medalist (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008)
Hall of Fame Naismith & Women’s Basketball HOF (2015)
Notable First First woman to dunk in a WNBA game (2002)
Post-Career Broadcaster, coach, entrepreneur

WNBA Career

Lisa Leslie played her entire professional career with the Los Angeles Sparks (1997–2009).

  • Drafted 7th overall in the 1997 WNBA Allocation Draft.

  • WNBA Champion (2001, 2002), leading the Sparks to back-to-back titles.

  • Three-time WNBA MVP (2001, 2004, 2006).

  • Eight-time WNBA All-Star and two-time WNBA Finals MVP.

  • In 2002, she became the first player in WNBA history to dunk in a game, a milestone that symbolized the growth and excitement of women’s basketball.

  • Retired in 2009 as the Sparks’ all-time leader in points, rebounds, and blocks.

  • Inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2015) and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2015).

Early Life

Lisa Leslie was born on July 7, 1972, in Gardena, California. She showed basketball talent at an early age, standing 6’5″ by the time she was in high school.

  • Attended Morningside High School, where she was a dominant force, scoring over 100 points in a single high school game.

  • Continued her career at USC (University of Southern California), where she became a three-time All-American and left as one of the top players in program history.

  • Her college career set the foundation for her professional success and eventual role in shaping the WNBA.