The Sparks finished the 2025 WNBA season in ninth place with a 21-23 record, one spot out of the playoffs. Though LA had a losing record, the year was still a major turnaround from their lopsided 2024 record of 8-32. New additions like star guard Kelsey Plum and first-year head coach Lynne Roberts have served the Sparks well, but there are still several missing pieces.
What does LA need to do to return to the glory days?
Sign a real point guard
The Sparks have been missing a real facilitator at the point for years, ever since guard Chelsea Gray left in 2020. While they acquired Plum this offseason, she’s not a traditional point guard and couldn’t fill the gap Gray left. Plum played the point while with the Las Vegas Aces, but she’s much better off the ball, and the Sparks best utilized her that way.
During preseason, the Sparks signed guard Julie Allemand, which ended up being a solid pick up for them because it allowed Plum to play at the two.
While Allemand was productive, averaging five assists a game, she’s an older guard with an injury history. If LA wants a true shot at becoming the dynasty it once was, it needs a younger point guard who can stay healthy throughout the season.
While it would be useful to keep her as a reliable veteran presence, she won’t be what leads the Sparks back to winning more consistently.
Additionally, mid-season, the Sparks also acquired Julie Vanloo after the Golden State Valkyries surprisingly released her. When Vanloo was on the court, the Sparks showed what they can do when they have a true point guard at the helm. Right after Vanloo was brought in, LA went on a five-game winning streak.
While she was productive and had some big games, it’s the same conclusion as Allemand: she’s an older and injury-ridden guard. The Sparks need to find a more reliable point guard if they want to start making the playoffs again
Figure out how to limit turnovers
Turnovers have always been the Sparks’ Achilles heel. This season, LA averaged 14.1 turnovers per game and ranked 12th in opponent points off turnovers with 16.8. Last season wasn’t any different, either, as they recorded similar stat lines.
In a crucial game on Aug. 29 against the Indiana Fever, the Sparks lost 76-75 in a game where they had 22 turnovers, which turned into 23 points for the Fever. Throughout the season, LA had several games like this where turnovers ultimately cost them wins.
To be a championship-contending team, they need to limit turnovers and be more careful with the ball.
Cement the defensive identity
Along with limiting turnovers, LA needs to solve who they are on defense. The biggest reason for its defensive mishaps is that LA lost its 2024 No. 2 draft pick in forward Cameron Brink for most of the season. However, forward Azurá Stevens made huge improvements this season and averaged 12.8 points and eight rebounds per game.
The Sparks lead the league in allowing 41.5 opponent points per game, which is unacceptable. LA doesn’t apply enough defensive pressure, and their opponents took advantage of that all season. LA also struggled with the mental side of the game, where one mistake often led to another.
If the Sparks can address these three agenda items this offseason, they have a legitimate chance at being a contender next season. The blueprint is there, but only time will tell if they can properly execute on it.
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