Sparks Star Lisa Leslie has Baby Girl

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Sparks’ center and three-time WNBA MVP Lisa Leslie and her husband, Michael Lockwood, are celebrating the arrival of their first child. Lauren Jolie Lockwood was born Friday, June 15 at 4:11 a.m. at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The baby was 20 inches long and weighed eight pounds, 11 ounces.

“We are thrilled for Lisa and Michael,” said Sparks’ co-owner Kathy Goodman. “We extend our best wishes to the family. What a tremendous way to celebrate Father’s Day weekend.”

Leslie signed a multi-year contract with the Sparks in April. It is undetermined when she will resume her playing career.

A six-time WNBA All-Star, Leslie was assigned to the Sparks in 1997 at the inception of the league. She has averaged 17.6 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game as a starter in 307 regular season games and 40 playoff games. Leslie has helped the Sparks to two WNBA Championship titles. The WNBA has named her MVP three times (2001, 2004, 2006), WNBA Championship MVP twice (2001, 2002), and All-Star game MVP three times (1999, 2001, 2002).

In addition to her impressive career in the WNBA, Leslie has represented the United States as a starting center for the USA Basketball team. She led her teams to three Olympic gold medals (1996, 2000, 2004), as well as bringing home gold in the World Championships (1998, 2002), U.S. Olympic Cup (1999), Goodwill Games (1994), and the World University Games (1991).

A graduate of the University of Southern California, Leslie holds the record for most career points (2,414) rebounds (1,214), and blocked shots (321). She was named to the All-Pac-10 team four times (1991-1994), and was a three-time All-American, winning the Naismith National Player of the Year award in 1994. Leslie attended Inglewood Morningside High School where she once scored 101 points in the first half of a game.

The Sparks (4-2) play at Washington Friday, June 15 and at Minnesota Saturday, June 16 before returning to STAPLES Center Monday, June 18 against the defending WNBA champion Detroit Shock. For season ticket information, call (877) 44-SPARKS.