You know her as the woman who literally changed the trajectory of the WNBA. The first to dunk in a professional game. Four Olympic gold medals. A statue outside Crypto.com Arena. But when the lights go down and the jersey comes off, Lisa Leslie’s world revolves around a guy most casual fans might not recognize in a grocery store.
Honestly, in a world of flashy celebrity marriages that fizzle out in eighteen months, the bond between Lisa Leslie and husband Michael Lockwood is kind of an anomaly. They’ve been together for nearly two decades. No scandals. No tabloid drama. Just a tall, talented couple quietly building a massive legacy.
People always ask how they met. It wasn't at some glitzy Hollywood party or an ESPYs after-party. It was actually a phone call. A mutual friend thought they’d hit it off, and they spent hours talking before they even saw each other face-to-face. Michael wasn't some guy looking for a trophy wife; he was a serious professional with his own wings. Literally.
Who is Michael Lockwood?
Michael Lockwood isn't just "the husband." He’s a powerhouse in his own right. He’s a commercial pilot for UPS, which is probably one of the coolest day jobs anyone can have. But before he was flying massive cargo planes across the globe, he was a baller just like Lisa.
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He played at the U.S. Air Force Academy. You can see it in how he carries himself—disciplined, focused, and totally unfazed by his wife’s massive fame. He also served as an Air Force Captain during the first Gulf War and in Somalia. We’re talking about a man who has seen serious action and handled high-pressure situations that make a fourth-quarter free throw look like a walk in the park.
They got married on November 5, 2005. It was a beautiful ceremony in Maui. It’s funny because Lisa is 6'5", and finding a partner who doesn't look like a toddler next to her is a tall order. Luckily, Michael stands at 6'7". They are quite literally a power couple in every physical and metaphorical sense.
Balancing the WNBA and Family
A lot of people forget that Lisa actually stepped away from the game at the height of her powers. In 2007, she took a sabbatical from the Los Angeles Sparks. Why? She was pregnant with their first child, Lauren Jolie Lockwood.
It was a huge deal at the time. Most female athletes back then felt they had to choose between a career and motherhood. Lisa and Michael decided they didn't have to choose. She came back in 2008, won another Olympic gold, and proved that being a mom didn't make her any less of a beast on the court.
They had their second child, Michael Joseph Lockwood II (often called MJ), in April 2010. By this time, Lisa had retired from the WNBA, but the pace of their lives didn't slow down. If anything, it sped up.
The Business of Being the Lockwoods
If you think Michael just flies planes and Lisa just does commentary, you're missing half the story. These two are serial entrepreneurs. They run the Lisa Leslie Basketball & Leadership Academy together. It’s not just about layups and dribbling; they teach kids about "the 90% mental" part of the game.
Michael is also deep into real estate. He’s a commercial real estate developer and co-founded the Lockwood Group. It's fascinating to see how they’ve transitioned from the court and the cockpit into the boardroom. They recently moved their home base to Boca Raton, Florida, where they continue to run their various ventures.
- Philanthropy: They are heavily involved in foster care advocacy.
- Real Estate: Lisa co-founded Aston Rose, a luxury real estate firm.
- Education: They prioritize their kids' development, with Michael often seen chauffeuring Lauren to big events like prom.
What Most People Get Wrong About Them
The biggest misconception is that Michael is just a "supportive spouse" in the background. In reality, their marriage functions more like a partnership of equals. When Lisa speaks at events, she often mentions how Michael’s military discipline helped her refine her own leadership style.
He’s the one who handles the logistics. She’s the one in the spotlight. But they trade places often. When Michael is flying long-haul routes for UPS, Lisa is holding down the fort. When Lisa is traveling for her CBS show "We Need To Talk" or her coaching gig with the Triplets in the BIG3 league, Michael is the primary parent.
It’s not always perfect. No marriage is. But they’ve managed to stay grounded while one of them is literally in the clouds and the other is a literal icon.
Why This Relationship Still Matters
In 2026, we’re seeing a massive shift in how people view "celebrity" families. We want authenticity. We want to see people who actually like each other after twenty years. Lisa Leslie and Michael Lockwood provide that blueprint.
They’ve raised their kids (including Michael’s daughters from a previous relationship) in a way that keeps them out of the "nepo baby" drama while giving them every opportunity to succeed. Lauren is already making waves in high school, and MJ is following in those very large footsteps.
Actionable Insights for Your Own Life
You don't have to be a WNBA MVP or an Air Force Captain to take a few notes from their playbook:
- Prioritize Communication Early: Like their first phone call, build the foundation on talk, not just appearance.
- Support the Sabbatical: Don't be afraid to pause a career for family; if you're good enough, you can always come back or pivot.
- Diversify Your Identity: Don't just be "the athlete" or "the pilot." Build businesses, invest in real estate, and find passions outside of your primary job.
- Stay Grounded: Regardless of how much money or fame enters the house, keep the values of hard work and respect at the center of the dinner table.
If you want to follow their journey more closely, Lisa is incredibly active on Instagram, often sharing "proud mom" moments that show the real human side of their high-achieving life. Michael remains a bit more private, but his influence is written all over their family's success.