Candace Parker was a star for the LA Sparks, and the team will honor Parker’s career by retiring her no.3 jersey this June.
Parker will become only the third player in team history to have her jersey retired, joining former Sparks stars Lisa Leslie (no.9) and Penny Toller (no.11).
“To see my jersey hanging in the rafters amongst other legends is truly an honor. This moment is not just about me — it’s about my family, my teammates, and the incredible support from the LA Sparks organization and fans,” said Candace Parker in a statement. “I’m grateful to my parents, who believed in me every step of the way, to my brothers who still are my heroes and to my wife and kids, who inspire me every day. The Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) raised Lailaa and this was her playground growing up. Holding the record for assists reminds me that basketball is never just about individual success — it’s about elevating others and being a part of something bigger than yourself. This jersey represents all the moments, all the connections, and all the love that got me here.”
After being selected first overall by the Sparks in the 2008 WNBA Draft, Parker became a 5x WNBA All-Star, 2x league MVP awards (2008, 2013), the 2020 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and also led the Sparks to its third WNBA title in 2016. In addition, Parker is the franchise’s all-time assists holder (1,331) and ranks second in Sparks history in rebounds and third in points.
In her 13 seasons with the team, Parker averaged 16.9 ppg, 8.6 rpg and 3.9 apg.
Now she’s forever have her no.3 jersey in the rafters at the Crypto.com Arena for all to see.
