Chat with Lisa Leslie
Future Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie calls it quits after 12 seasons. Welcome to SportsNation! On Friday, former Los Angeles Spark and U.S. Olympian Lisa Leslie stops by to chat about retirement, the WNBA, and her latest charitable focus on liver cancer awareness.
Over her 12 seasons in the WNBA, Leslie was a three-time league MVP, two-time Finals MVP, two-time defensive player of the year and a member of the WNBA's All-Decade Team. In 2003, Lisa became the first player to dunk a basketball in a WNBA game and as a four-time Olympian she is one of only two female basketball players to win four gold medals (Teresa Edwards being the other).
Liver cancer awareness is dear to Lisa's heart. She lost her dad not too long ago to liver cancer after he was diagnosed only two months earlier and is now helping launch MyLiverCancerOptions.com, a site that will inform people of the symptoms and proper treatment.
Send your questions now and join Leslie Friday at 2:30 p.m. ET!
More Special Guests: Previous chats | SportsNation
Lisa Leslie (2:31 PM)
I want to make everyone aware that this is Liver Cancer Awareness month and I've teamed up with Covidien to promote our new Website MyLiverCancerOptions.com.
Laura (Cincy, OH)
Can you tell us more about your new website, MyLiverCancerOptions,com?
Lisa Leslie (2:32 PM)
You can go to MyLiverCancerOptions.com to find out different options for treating and dealing with liver cancer.
georgeann320 (beaufort south carolina)
why retire now when you are at the top of your game?
Lisa Leslie (2:34 PM)
Because I wanted to live while on top, being able to score rebound, score and block shots. I don't want to play until I couldn't contribute anymore.
Ronnie (Los Angeles, CA)
Would you like to coach one day or are you looking to to more TV stuff with NBA TV?
Lisa Leslie (2:35 PM)
All of the above.
Deja (Georgia)
Hey Mrs. Leslie, how did you feel when you woke up the next moring after your final game of the WNBA?
Lisa Leslie (2:35 PM)
I was smiling and my husband said, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life."
pilight (macon, ga)
Should we expect you to make a comeback in a couple of years?
Lisa Leslie (2:36 PM)
Absolutely not. I will not Brett Favre you or pull a Michael Jordan on you. I'm retired.
Sonya (Batimore, MD)
How does it feel to be one of two players to win four gold medals in Olympic basketball?
Lisa Leslie (2:37 PM)
It's awesome, especially to be in the company of Teresa Edwards.
James (Chicago, IL)
With the NBA season two weeks away, do you see the Lakers repeating as champs?
Lisa Leslie (2:38 PM)
Absolutely! I think Cleveland is our biggest challenge this season.
April (Fort Wayne, IN)
What did you think about the WNBA Finals this year? I think it was the best one thus far!
Lisa Leslie (2:39 PM)
I agree. It was awesome and it was nice to see our ratings go up.
Steiny (NYC)
What's your all-time greatest achievement as a basketball player? Who are the top three players you've been able to play with?
Lisa Leslie (2:40 PM)
My all-time achievement was winning a gold medal in 1996. My top three players are Dawn Staley, Teresa Edwards and Katrina McClain.
Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)
Will we ever see a woman coaching in the NBA in the future? If so who will be the first woman to coach in the NBA?
Lisa Leslie (2:40 PM)
I hope so, maybe me. That would be an awesome job!
Courtney (Missouri)
For younger female basketball players, what would you suggest is the most important skill to learn?
Lisa Leslie (2:41 PM)
The most important skills to learn is to shoot and dribble.
pilight (macon, ga)
What do you think is the biggest problem facing the WNBA today?
Lisa Leslie (2:42 PM)
The lack of media coverage on a day-to-day basis during the season.
Sue (Lakeport, CA)
I really enjoyed the early WNBA commercials featuring you, Sheryl Swoopes, and others in which the young girls gave you "what for" regarding wearing pumps. Bring those commercials back!
Lisa Leslie (2:42 PM)
(Laughing) I agree! Those were the good 'ol days.
Ken (Syracuse, NY)
Congrats on a fantastic career and all that you've done for the game of basketball. What will you miss most about the WNBA? You will be missed patrolling the middle for the Sparks and for the USA National Team.
Lisa Leslie (2:44 PM)
Thank you! I will miss the camaraderie with players on the bus and in the locker rooms the most.
victor (monroe,louisiana)
DearLisa1st congraculations on your retirement in the wnba.whatare your future plans?
Lisa Leslie (2:44 PM)
Broadcasting, public speaking and promoting things that I'm passionate about.
EDRICK (MISSISSIPPI)
DO YOU THINK MICHAEL COOPER CAN MAKE USC A NATIONAL POWERHOUSE AGAIN?
Lisa Leslie (2:45 PM)
I hope so, It's about time for that program to return to greatness. FIGHT ON!!!
Natalie (New York City)
Will you go back to modeling?
Lisa Leslie (2:46 PM)
No, but maybe I'll try acting.
Courtney (Missouri)
Who, in your opinion is the best current player in the WNBA?
Lisa Leslie (2:47 PM)
Diana Taurasi, she had a great year and I'm a big fan.
maggie (san antonio)
Lisa, I see a political career in your future, do you?
Lisa Leslie (2:49 PM)
Not really, but I do think it is important to be aware of what is going on in the world around us. Politics no, the truth yes!
Marie (Minneapolis)
Congrats on you retirement. Who are like 5 young players that you see making a big impact on the WNBA in the coming yrs ?
Lisa Leslie (2:50 PM)
Candace Parker, Candice Wiggins, DeWanna Bonner, Angel McCoughtry and Matee Ajavon.
Lisa Leslie (2:51 PM)
Thanks for chatting with me and please visit MyLiverCancerOptions.com.
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