The Los Angeles Sparks are sitting at 4-9 through a quarter of the WNBA season. A team with flashes of top-tier talent but just as many growing pains, LA has shown that the tools are there, even if the results aren’t.
Right now, they’re 7.5 games back in the West, ranking near the top of the league in scoring (82.2 PPG), but near the bottom in opponent points allowed (86.9).
This team can score, but they haven’t consistently been able to defend or rebound at a high level, especially in second-chance opportunities. Their rebounding numbers (33.8 RPG) are middle of the pack, but they’re giving up 8.3 offensive boards per game—third-worst in the W.
It’s a familiar trend: strong individual talent, but lapses in execution and focus that cost them close games.
Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, And The Los Angeles Sparks Offense
Kelsey Plum has been everything the Los Angeles Sparks hoped for when they acquired her. She’s averaging 20.9 points and 5.6 assists per game, ranking second in the league in scoring and fifth in assists. Her shotmaking, tempo control, and leadership have been critical. Whether dropping 37 in the opener or pushing pace against Vegas, Plum has been the engine.
Her backcourt partner, Dearica Hamby, is having one of the best all-around seasons of her career. Averaging 16.8 points and 7.9 rebounds while shooting over 51.7% from the field, she’s bringing toughness, consistency, and a go-to presence inside. Together, Plum and Hamby account for nearly half of LA’s total offense.
Azurá Stevens has added versatility and muscle to the frontcourt, averaging 13.5 points and 8.8 rebounds while spacing the floor and cleaning up on the glass. When Stevens is on, the Sparks typically stay competitive. As head coach Lynne Roberts said, “If you look at our games where we play well or we win, Azurá has big games.”
Rickea Jackson’s 30-point explosion against Vegas reminded everyone of her scoring upside. Though coming off the bench, her ability to create off the dribble gives the Los Angeles Sparks a needed weapon for the second unit.
The Los Angeles Sparks give up too many second chances and turn the ball over too often. Despite boasting three high-level, consistent scorers and shooters throughout the rotation, they struggle when those primary options aren’t clicking.
It’s a team still trying to build chemistry, something Roberts alluded to after a win over the Aces: “Tonight we were really aggressive and fearless… we have to play completely together. We are getting more and more consistent.”
Cameron Brink Watch: A Game-Changing Return On The Horizon
The most impactful addition might not be a trade or free agent, it’s Cameron Brink returning from injury. Brink, who tore her ACL early last season, is reportedly close to rejoining the team. No official return date has been set, but all signs point to July.
What the Sparks are missing, Brink provides. She was averaging 2.3 blocks and 1.7 steals in just 15 games as a rookie before the injury. A dominant rim protector and defensive presence, Brink’s return would immediately improve LA’s interior defense and rebounding issues. She also has the tools to space the floor and run in transition, making her an ideal frontcourt complement to Hamby and Stevens.
This team is not far off. The return of Cameron Brink could be the jolt the Los Angeles Sparks need to turn competitive losses into wins. The first quarter of the season gave us a glimpse of who they are. The next stretch will define who they become.