Candace Parker stared at her phone screen, scrolling through the fan’s Instagram post showing her No. 3 jersey hanging in the rafters. The word “surreal” felt like the only way to describe it.
Few players ever reach this milestone, and Parker just became the third in Los Angeles Sparks history to have her number retired forever.
What Does It Mean to Join Leslie and Toler in the Rafters?
Parker now belongs to the most exclusive club in Sparks’ history. She joins Lisa Leslie and Penny Toler, two players who built the foundation of what the franchise became. This honor places Parker alongside the legends who defined basketball in Los Angeles.
Drafted No. 1 overall by the Sparks in 2008 after her standout collegiate career at Tennessee, Parker wasted no time making her mark. That same year, she became the only player in WNBA history to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season.
The achievement set the tone for what would become a legendary 13-year run with the team.
Parker’s relationship with the moment showed through her social media response. Still processing the honor, she shared a moment from the arena on her Instagram Story, reposting a fan’s photo of her jersey hanging in the rafters alongside championship banners. The post read:
“So happy to finally see @candaceparker jersey retired,” with Parker adding the words, “Still surreal” in response.
How Did Parker Build Her Legacy in Los Angeles?
Beyond that historic rookie season, Parker continued adding to her resume. She grabbed another MVP title in 2013 and played a central role in the Sparks’ 2016 championship, which ended a 14-year drought. The following year, she led them to the Finals again in 2017.
The numbers tell the story of her dominance. Over 337 games, she averaged 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game. She led the league in blocks in 2008 and 2009, rebounds in 2008, 2009, and 2020, and assists in 2015.
Parker’s accolades with the Sparks include nine All-WNBA selections, five All-Star appearances, two All-Defensive team honors, and the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year award. She ranked nine times in the top five for MVP voting, showing her sustained excellence throughout her career.
During the June ceremony when her jersey was being retired, Parker stood beneath her newly unveiled banner and addressed the crowd. Her speech reflected both her personality and the weight of the moment.
“Normally I go off the cuff, off the dome, no pen like Jay-Z, but today I decided to write a couple words,” she began, reflecting on her journey from a kid in Chicagoland to the spotlight of Los Angeles. She remembered dreaming of L.A., hoping in 2008 that the draft lottery would send her west. “I wanted to be out West…where there’s ginormous shoes to fill,” she said.
No. 3 will live in the rafters forever. 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/4ZwjuqZG1g
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) June 29, 2025
Referencing her championship and her conversation with Leslie during her final game at Staples Center, Parker expressed her gratitude to teammates, coaches, family, and even officials.
“I’m extremely humbled to have No. 3 up there amongst the greats. I do not take that for granted,” she told the crowd.
The honor won’t be her last. Later this summer, the Chicago Sky will also retire Parker’s jersey, making her the second player in WNBA history, after Lindsay Whalen, to have her number retired by two teams.
