Candace Parker’s Iconic No. 3 Jersey Retired in Emotional L.A. Sparks Halftime Ceremony
LOS ANGELES – Minutes ago, during halftime of Sunday’s Sparks–Sky game at Crypto.com Arena, Candace Parker’s iconic No. 3 jersey was hoisted into the rafters, marking the latest milestone in a legendary career—and electrifying the crowd with a moment none will forget .
A two‑time MVP (2008, 2013), Finals MVP (2016), Defensive Player of the Year (2020), and seven‑time All‑Star, Parker spent 13 unforgettable seasons in Los Angeles after going No. 1 out of Tennessee in 2008 . She still ranks first in Sparks assists (1,331), second in rebounds and points, all the while defining versatility and leadership on the court .
The ceremony was steeped in emotion. Sparks legend Lisa Leslie—whose No. 9 already hangs in the rafters—introduced Parker with heartfelt praise: *“No. 3 will hang in the rafters because nobody else can do what Candace Parker has done for the L.A. Sparks”* . Former Lakers player and Sparks coach Michael Cooper, along with Magic Johnson via video, joined the tributes; Johnson called it “the ultimate honor,” likening Parker to Lakers greats Kareem and Kobe .
In her speech, Parker reflected on her journey with humility and grace. “I think I’d do things exactly the same way… I made mistakes and took two steps forward and one back, but I was always moving forward,” she said, drawing on every high and low that shaped her time in Los Angeles . Decked in tertiary orange—a salute to her University of Tennessee roots—she expressed deep gratitude for the city she now calls home: *“L.A. isn’t just about ball for me anymore… It’s now where we call home and where we’ll forever call home.”*
Crypto.com Arena was awash in yellow “That’s Our Ace” shirts—sponsored by Adidas—placed on every seat, along with oversized floral installations and a stirring video retrospective that chronicled Parker’s impact .
Joining Parker on court were current Sparks stars Mercedes Russell, Rae Burrell and Rickea Jackson, as well as her family: wife Anna, daughter Lailaa, and sons Airr and Hartt, who shared the moment of her No. 3 ascension .
This marks Parker as the third Sparks player ever to receive this honor, joining Hall of Famers Penny Toler (No. 11) and Lisa Leslie (No. 9) . But the celebration doesn’t end here—Chicago plans to retire her No. 3 later this summer, following her championship runs with the Sky (2021) and Aces (2023) .
Post-game, Parker will likely step into the limelight beyond the court. In addition to her growing presence as an ESPN/TNT broadcaster, she recently released The Can‑Do Mindset, sharing lessons on resilience and perseverance . The Sparks even featured book‑themed activations during the ceremony .
For Sparks fans and women’s basketball enthusiasts alike, this ceremony wasn’t just a nod to past glory—it was a powerful signal that Candace Parker’s influence transcends eras. Her jersey now rests among the franchise’s greatest, but her legacy continues to reach beyond the rafters—through media, mentorship, and the generations she’s inspired.
Only a true icon earns such a send‑off. As the arena lights dimmed and her No. 3 took its place above, it became clear: Candace Parker did it her way—and did it for
L.A.
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