In 2005, Lisa Leslie tied the knot with her husband, Michael Lockwood. Michael is a remarkable individual who works as a pilot, realtor, and author. Together, they have been blessed with two beautiful children.
Lisa Deshaun Leslie is an American former professional basketball player. She is the head coach for Triplets in the BIG3 professional basketball league.
Additionally, she contributes her expertise as a studio analyst for Orlando Magic broadcasts on Bally Sports Florida.
Leslie significantly contributed to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) throughout her career. She achieved remarkable feats, including winning three WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) titles and four Olympic gold medals.
The WNBA selected her as the seventh overall pick in the inaugural 1997 draft. She commenced her impressive journey after a successful stint at the University of Southern California.
She played for the Los Angeles Sparks for 11 seasons. Leslie garnered eight WNBA All-Star selections and celebrated two WNBA championships before retiring in 2009.
Notably, Leslie etched her name as the first player to dunk in a WNBA game.
Fans recognized her unparalleled talent and impact, honoring her in 2011 by voting her as one of the Top 15 players in WNBA history.
Leslie also represented USA basketball in international competitions, securing four Olympic gold medals (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008) and two FIBA World Championships (1998, 2002).
Lisa Leslie Husband
Lisa Leslie married Michael Lockwood on November 5, 2005. Michael, born in 1972, used to play basketball for the United States Air Force Academy and now works as a UPS pilot. He has more than 15 years of experience as a pilot.
As an Air Force Captain, Michael Lockwood bravely served in the first Gulf War and Somalia. In 2009, he was nominated for the ‘flight crew of the Year’ title.
Michael is also an author, philanthropist, and motivational speaker. Alongside his pilot profession, Michael, Leslie, and Tiffany White run a real estate firm called the Lockwood Group at KW Realty Services.
In an interview with Essence, Lisa discussed how she met her husband and what drew her to him. While visiting Mobile, Alabama, Leslie encountered a friend of her future husband at the airport, who insisted on introducing them.
Initially hesitant, Leslie eventually gave in and exchanged contact information. After ignoring several calls, she returned Michael’s call upon hearing his playful message.
They talked for hours each day for a month before meeting in person. Leslie was attracted to Lockwood’s ability to make her laugh and their spiritual and intellectual connection.
Despite initial curiosity about each other’s physical appearances, their relationship thrived based on a genuine connection.
Family And Retired Life
Family
Lisa Leslie, a legendary figure in basketball, was born on July 7, 1972, in Gardena, California. She is the second child of Lauren and Walter Leslie.
She grew up alongside her two siblings, an older sister named Dionne and a younger sister named Tiffany.
Tragically, when Lisa was just a toddler, her father left the family, leaving her mother to single-handedly support them. Despite this setback, Leslie’s determination and talent would propel her to great success in the future.
At 33, Lisa Leslie married Michael. In an interview with Essence, Leslie revealed that Michael already had two daughters from a previous relationship.
The couple now has two children, a daughter Lauren, born in 2007, and a son Michael II born in 2010, completing their loving family.
Her children are actively involved in sports, following in their mother’s footsteps. Leslie shares inspirational videos of basketball legend Kobe Bryant to motivate her children.
She supports their athletic pursuits and provides assistance and inspiration in their respective areas of interest.
Retired Life
On February 4, 2009, Leslie announced her retirement from professional basketball. The Los Angeles Sparks, her team, organized a farewell ceremony for Leslie during their final home game in September of that year.
Following her retirement, Leslie embarked on a career as a sports commentator and analyst. She showcased her expertise in various sports networks, including NBC, ABC, and Fox Sports Net. She also released an autobiography titled “Don’t Let the Lipstick Fool You.”
In 2011, Leslie became a co-owner of the Los Angeles Sparks. Additionally, in 2018, she joined Fox Sports Florida as a studio analyst for Orlando Magic broadcasts.
On January 10, 2019, she took on the role of coach for the Triplets, an expansion team in the BIG3 three-on-three league founded by Ice Cube. In her inaugural year as coach, she led the team to an impressive 7–1 record and secured the BIG3 Championship.
Love some Lisa Leslie! Beautiful Lady with an even more beautiful heart. I went down to meet her once and she prayed for my mother who couldn’t walk down the bleachers to met her.