The Los Angeles Sparks entered the 2025 season with a new vision and high expectations. After hiring Lynne Roberts as head coach in November 2024, the team immediately made headlines with a blockbuster three-team trade that brought in All-Star guard Kelsey Plum. Her debut against the Golden State Valkyries was nothing short of historic, dropping 37 points, 6 assists, and 5 steals on perfect free-throw shooting, setting a WNBA record for a season opener.
The Sparks also added promising rookies Sarah Ashlee Barker and Sania Feagin, while Liatu King briefly joined the roster under a hardship exception. But despite the revamped lineup, the team struggled with inconsistency and injuries throughout the first half of the season. Key players like Cameron Brink and Rae Burrell missed significant time, limiting the rotation and slowing the team’s development. By the All-Star break, the Sparks held an 8–14 record, matching last season’s win total but still sitting 10th in the league.
Through it all, it was clear that four key players emerged as the team’s anchor. Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, Rickea Jackson, and Azurá Stevens have all made their mark as the core four this season. Plum has carried the offense, averaging around 20.1 points and 5.8 assists per game and ranking third in the league in scoring. Hamby has been a steady two-way force and calmness on the court. Jackson continues to show flashes of stardom with her shot-making and versatility. Stevens has provided crucial rebounding and inside scoring as she continues her best season so far in her career. Despite their individual efforts, the supporting cast often lacked cohesion, especially in close games. Turnovers and closing out tight games made it tough to build momentum early.
Momentum began to shift in July. The Sparks won three of their last five games before the break, including a dominant 99–80 win over the Washington Mystics. Rae Burrell’s return gave the bench a jolt, even with the coach nicknaming her “the energizer bunny,” while Julie Allemand brought steady playmaking with over 5 assists per game and minimal turnovers. Julie Vanloo was also a pleasant addition as she is contributing to the shot making and IQ of the team. Dearica Hamby, Rickea Jackson, and Azurá Stevens all delivered double-digit performances in key matchups, helping the Sparks secure back-to-back wins for the first time since June 2024.
Reflecting on the team’s growth, Coach Lynne Roberts said, “So I'm proud of us. I'm proud of these guys for sticking with the process because it's hard. Adversity is hard. It challenges you and it shows you what you're really made of. And we're not done, but I do feel like to your point, things are starting to click.” She added, “I think we're starting to figure it out and also getting players healthy helps. Getting who we designed everything for.”
Still, questions remain. ESPN gave the Sparks a midseason grade of C–, citing improvement but acknowledging that the team still owns one of the league’s worst records. The team is still finding a consistent lineup and bench, especially after waiving Odyssey Sims and Mercedes Russel. Injuries, particularly to Brink, continue to limit their ceiling. Yet the team has shown flashes of what it could become when healthy and clicking, Plum’s leadership, a more balanced bench, and a defense that finally seems to be taking shape.
As the second half of the season approaches, the Sparks are looking to build on that momentum. With Brink expected to return soon and a rematch against Washington on deck, they have a chance to climb back into the playoff conversation. The first half of 2025 was rocky, but the foundation is there for a stronger finish, making them a team the league should not underestimate.
