WNBA Los Angeles Sparks Season Preview, February 15, 2025

Last year didn’t pan out the way LA thought it would. Losing their rookie center right at the beginning of the season wasn’t on their bingo card, but here we are. Although last year didn’t go as planned, it’s a new year and they’ve made some changes. Let’s get into the Sparks Season Preview.

The team finished last in the league last season with an 8-32 record. This team has been in a rebuild for quite some time, nothing reminiscent of their glory days. But there is hope for the future with the arrival of an all-star, the return of an injured rookie and the return of last year’s core.

LA went out and made a big trade by giving up their #2 pick in exchange for 2x WNBA Champ and All-Star Kelsey Plum from the Aces. Rookie Cameron Brink will return this season after tearing her ACL last year, which should be huge for this team. Plum has spent some time dishing the ball to her big down low.

Returning are players like Dearica Hamby and sophomore Rickea Jackson. With the injury to Brink last year, Jackson rose the rising rookie. I expect her to play a big part for this team in her 2nd year.

Kelsey Plum comes to the LA via 3 team trade

Newest Spark Kelsey Plum at her opening press conference after being introduced.

Los Angeles went all in to get a big name, and they succeeded. Kelsey Plum, who is a 2x WNBA Champion with the Las Vegas Aces, 1x Olympic Champion and 2x World Cup Champion – is now a Spark. She comes with hesitation that the Sparks put to rest during their courting.

She brings what this young team needs and that’s experience with a winning attitude. It hurts to not have the #2 pick anymore, but having the #9 pick is still pretty good. They’re projected currently to draft South Carolina guard Te-Hina Paopao according to an ESPN mock draft (Again, just a projection. They could make another trade for all we know!).

Having Plum in the back court with Jackson with Hamby and Brink down low could be dangerous together. It’ll take some time to get the chemistry going, but they all have the ability to contribute to be successful. That #9 pick could equal out to the last needed piece.

How far can the Sparks go this season? Has to be better than last season!

Opening introductions for the Sparks at a home game.

Now this team is still in a border line re-build. but could be 1 or 2 pieces away from being someone. They also signed Odyssey Sims who will be a good, needed role player. Speaking of more role players, Azura Stevens and Aari McDonald both return after decent seasons.

Whatever the Sparks did to convince Plum to come there was obviously huge, so maybe there is something else in the works. I personally think they could have a year, but they will definitely not be last in the league this season.

If they are having a decent season and possible in playoff contention, they could look to make a trade before the deadline. The team has a lot of options but also has a long way to go. The chemistry they form will be the decider of their success.

I’m excited for this season with all the moves that have been made this offseason. This team has some decent pieces, so let’s see how they do this year!