Lisa Leslie on Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson & Her Historic Statue Unveiling | Chiney Today
Lisa Leslie joins Chiney Ogwumike for a special conversation ahead of becoming the first WNBA player to receive a statue at Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena. Lisa opens up about the hidden details built into her statue, including four gold elements representing her four Olympic gold medals and a red lipstick detail inspired by her book Don’t Let the Lipstick Fool You. She also reflects on her close relationship with Kobe Bryant, why Kobe’s mother and sister will be at the unveiling, and the family moments she treasures most from their friendship. Plus, Lisa takes Chiney inside her legendary basketball journey. From playing pickup with Magic Johnson and NBA players while playing in the WNBA, to scoring 101 points in one half of a high school game, to becoming the first player to dunk in a WNBA game and helping build the league from its inaugural season. In This Episode: -Lisa Leslie reveals the special details behind her historic statue -Why the statue includes red lipstick -Lisa reflects on Kobe Bryant, his family, and their bond - Playing pickup with Magic Johnson and NBA players -The truth behind Lisa’s 101-point half in high school -Becoming the first player to dunk in a WNBA game -Helping launch the WNBA and carrying the torch for women’s basketball -Battling the Houston Comets dynasty and what it took for the Sparks to break through -Lisa reflects on legacy, family, and why she wants to be remembered for love Subscribe for more episodes of Chiney Today: The Heartbeat of Hoops. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:04 Lisa Leslie reflects on her historic statue 3:02 Becoming a Los Angeles basketball icon 5:08 Lisa on helping launch the WNBA 7:39 Becoming the first player to dunk in a WNBA game 8:28 The truth behind Lisa’s 101-point half 11:08 Mamba Mentality and the sacrifices behind greatness 12:44 Playing pickup with Magic Johnson and NBA stars 13:35 Lisa reflects on Kobe Bryant and his family 14:58 Balancing motherhood and a WNBA career 17:11 The fearless competitor behind Lisa Leslie 18:57 Battling the Houston Comets dynasty 20:28 Why the 1996 Olympics was Lisa’s favorite championship 22:50 Lisa reflects on 30 years of the WNBA 23:40 Lisa’s impact on Chiney and the next generation 26:11 “My legacy is love” 27:29 Lisa reveals the hidden details on her statue 28:21 Goodbye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
