Lisa Leslie is a name that resonates with many basketball fans. As a former professional women's basketball player, Leslie made significant strides in the sport, breaking barriers and setting records along the way. Her journey from a young girl in Compton, California, to an iconic figure in the WNBA is nothing short of inspiring. Today, we will explore her life, career, and the impact she has had on basketball and beyond.
What Is Lisa Leslie's Net Worth and Salary?
Lisa Leslie, an American former professional women's basketball player, boasts a net worth of $5 million. During her time in the WNBA, her salary was approximately $91,000 per year. In 2001, Leslie achieved a remarkable feat by being named the All-Star Game MVP, regular season MVP, and playoff MVP, making history as the first WNBA player to receive all three honors in a single season. The following year, she was named the WNBA Championship MVP and became the league’s all-time leading scorer.
Known for her incredible athleticism, Leslie was the first player to dunk the ball in a WNBA game. She played for the Los Angeles Sparks from 1997 to 2009, winning four Olympic gold medals with the U.S. national basketball team in 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008. Her accomplishments led her to be inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
Early Life
Born Lisa Deshaun Leslie on July 7, 1972, in Compton, California, Lisa grew up in a family where sports were valued. Her father, Walter, was a former professional basketball player, while her mother, Christine, ran a truck driving business. Despite facing challenges, including her father leaving the family before she was born, Lisa found her passion for basketball early on.
After being encouraged by a classmate, she tried out for her middle school basketball team. At one point, she even joined a boys' team, as her school did not have a girls' team. By age 14, Leslie had received over 100 college recruiting letters from prestigious schools, showcasing her talent and potential.
College Career
Leslie attended the University of Southern California (USC), where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1994. During her college career, she played in 120 games, averaging 20.1 points per game. Leslie set numerous records, including a Pac-10 Conference record for scoring with 2,414 points and another for blocked shots with 321.
Her time at USC was marked by success, leading the team to a Pac-10 championship and participating in four NCAA tournaments. Leslie received numerous accolades, including All-American honors and the Pac-10 Rookie of the Year award in 1991.
WNBA Career
In 1997, Lisa Leslie was drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks during the WNBA draft. During her tenure with the Sparks, the team made the playoffs five consecutive years, winning their first WNBA title in 2001. That year, she was honored as the Sportswoman of the Year by the Women’s Sports Foundation.
As the WNBA evolved, Leslie became the first player to score more than 3,000 career points in 2002. By the time she retired in 2009, she had shattered numerous records, including points scored (6,263) and rebounds (3,307). Fans recognized her contributions by voting her one of the WNBA's top 15 players in 2011.
National Team Career
At just 17, Leslie joined the USA Basketball Women’s Junior National Team, where she led her team in scoring, rebounding, and blocks at the 1989 Junior World Championship. She continued to excel, helping the USA team win gold at the 1991 World University Games and capturing four Olympic gold medals throughout her career. Her achievements solidified her status as a dominant force in women’s basketball.
Leslie's remarkable skills led her to become the all-time leading scorer in Olympic competition during the 2004 Olympics, further cementing her legacy in the sport.
Personal Life
Off the court, Lisa Leslie married Michael Lockwood, a UPS pilot and former Air Force Academy basketball player, on November 5, 2005. They welcomed their daughter, Lauren Jolie Lockwood, in 2007 and their son, Michael Joseph Lockwood II, in 2010. Leslie often credits her Christian faith as a guiding force in her life, emphasizing the importance of faith in achieving her goals.
In a 2014 interview, she stated, “As a prayerful kid, I was always putting my faith and goals in the Lord’s name. That was always one of the things that helped me the most.”
Awards and Honors
Throughout her career, Leslie garnered numerous awards, including the Honda Sports Award and the USBWA Women’s National Player of the Year award in 1994. Her accolades continued with the Best WNBA Player title at the 2007 ESPY Awards and her induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. These honors reflect her dedication and impact on the sport.
Her journey has inspired countless individuals, proving that hard work and determination can lead to remarkable success.
Real Estate Ventures
In 2012, Lisa Leslie purchased a luxurious 4,600 square foot home in Calabasas, California, for $1.7 million. This property boasted five bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, showcasing her success beyond basketball. She later sold the home for $1.854 million in 2016, further demonstrating her savvy in real estate investments.
Leslie’s ventures in real estate reflect her ability to leverage her earnings and continue building her financial portfolio after her sports career.
Final Thoughts
Lisa Leslie's story is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the power of breaking barriers. From her early life in Compton to her illustrious basketball career and beyond, she has made a lasting impact on the world of sports and inspired generations to pursue their dreams. As she continues to engage with the community and contribute to the game she loves, Leslie remains a true icon in women's basketball.
