Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson applauds WNBA icon for her jersey retirement

One of the greatest legends in Los Angeles Lakers history, Magic Johnson, has long been revered as an icon of the franchise. Now, another L.A. basketball legend is set to receive an honor that cements her own legacy—WNBA star Candace Parker of the Los Angeles Sparks.

The Sparks legend announced her retirement in 2024 after 16 seasons, 13 of them with Los Angeles. Over her career, Parker averaged 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 48.2% from the field and 33.7% from three-point range. This week, the Sparks announced they will retire Parker’s No. 3 jersey, an honor that drew praise from Lakers legend and Sparks co-owner Magic Johnson. Speaking to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Johnson shared his admiration for Parker’s impact:

“Candace Parker has left an indelible mark on the Los Angeles Sparks, not only as one of the greatest players to ever grace the court, but as a true ambassador of our franchise and women’s basketball as a whole,” Johnson said in a statement. “Retiring Candace’s No. 3 jersey is not just a celebration of her extraordinary career, but a tribute to the enduring mark she’s left on this organization, the WNBA, and the city of Los Angeles. She will forever be a part of the Sparks family.”

Parker’s jersey retirement was an obvious decision, as Crypto.com Arena is home to banners honoring basketball legends and champions. In 2016, she helped end the Sparks’ 14-year championship drought, leading Los Angeles past the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals—a moment that solidified her status among the league’s all-time greats.

Candace Parker #3 of the Los Angeles Sparks celebrates after blocking a shot against Maya Moore #23 of the Minnesota Lynx

Candace Parker: A legacy with the Los Angeles Sparks

Candace Parker, one of the most dominant players in WNBA history, was selected first overall by the Sparks in the 2008 WNBA Draft after a legendary college career at Tennessee. She made an immediate impact, winning both Rookie of the Year and MVP in her debut season—a rare feat achieved only once before in league history. Her all-around skill set quickly made her the face of the franchise.

see also

Anthony Davis believes Luka Doncic’s reunion with the Mavericks will be more emotional than his own with the Lakers

Throughout her 13 seasons in Los Angeles, Parker was a perennial All-Star and a key leader for the Sparks. Her crowning achievement came in 2016 when she guided the team to a WNBA title, earning Finals MVP honors after a dramatic five-game battle against the Lynx. The championship carried extra significance for Parker, as it came shortly after the passing of her iconic college coach, Pat Summitt.

Beyond her accolades, Parker revolutionized the power forward position with her versatility as a scorer, playmaker, and defender. She won the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020, proving she remained among the league’s elite even in the later stages of her career.

After the 2020 season, Parker signed with her hometown Chicago Sky in free agency, where she continued her winning ways. Despite her departure, her legacy in Los Angeles is undeniable. She remains the Sparks’ all-time leading rebounder and one of the most iconic players ever to wear the franchise’s jersey.