No Parade, but They Still Get to Show Off

The season is over. Time to party.

The Sparks will make their first public appearance as WNBA champions at Venice Beach on Monday, from 1-3 p.m. at an outdoor basketball tournament. On Wednesday, there will be a free rally, starting at 10 a.m., at City Hall.

Spark Coach Michael Cooper became the first person to win an NBA and a WNBA championship. As a player, Cooper won five titles with the Lakers in the 1980s.

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Lisa Leslie said the season and winning the championship was a big release for her mother, Christine Leslie-Espinoza, who lost her husband (and Leslie’s stepfather), Tom, to cancer in January.

“The best thing for my mom has been having the Sparks to heal her,” Leslie said. “It was almost to a point where she would get a game tape and watch our games three times after we play.

“I love my mom completely, and it’s just been a great opportunity to win a championship and for her to be so happy, because the championship replaces the sadness she’s had.”

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The Sparks had 27 baskets--and 24 assists.