If you weren’t already ready to choke up, Magic Johnson just delivered the knockout line. With the Sparks gearing up to retire Candace Parker’s iconic No. 3 jersey, Lakers legend and co-owner Johnson took to X and said:

“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,” he tweeted.

He didn’t stop there:

“Candace is the best all‑around player that has ever played in the WNBA…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.”  

That’s Magic spelling it out loud. This isn’t just tribute talk—it’s legacy recognition. Candace Parker isn’t just a Hall‑of‑Famer in waiting; she’s a culture‑changer. From rookie phenom to triple‑title champ, she shifted the Sparks into championship gear in 2016, then brought glory to Chicago and Vegas before even hanging up her shoes.

Now, as her jersey ascends into the rafters of Crypto.com Arena, the ceremony underlines Parker’s impact both on court and off—and Johnson’s words? They seal the deal.

If there’s any doubt about Candace Parker’s place in LA basketball lore, let Magic (and now every fan in the building) be the judge: this is more than a retirement. It’s a celebration of a legacy that will forever echo through that building and beyond.

The WNBA’s top brass had one message after the Sparks raised Candace Parker’s No. 3 to the rafters: icon status confirmed. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert called it “powerful and fitting,” echoing the sentiment that Parker’s impact on the league is nothing short of monumental.

Jun 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Former Los Angeles Sparks Candace Parker talks to the crowd during a her jersey retirement ceremony at halftime at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

From rookie MVP to three-time champion across three teams, Parker’s career reads like a highlight reel of excellence. Engelbert emphasized how she “continually redefined greatness” and built a legacy that transcends hardwood—cementing her place in franchises and in the hearts of fans  .

The dual jersey retirements in Los Angeles and Chicago aren’t just ceremonial—they’re historical markers. Parker becomes one of the few ever honored in two cities, sharing that rarefied space with legends few can match.

Jun 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Former Los Angeles Sparks Candace Parker acknowledges the crowd during a jersey retirement ceremony at halftime at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

For Sparks fans, it’s validation. For the WNBA, it’s evolution. And for Candace Parker, it’s confirmation: this isn’t just goodbye—it’s legacy secured.