With the WNBA season just over a month away, the draft is complete and teams are gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying year. The New York Liberty are looking to repeat as champions, while reigning MVP A’ja Wilson could lead the Las Vegas Aces to another title game. Caitlin Clark could turn heads in her second season with the Indiana Fever under new head coach Stephanie White, and Angel Reese could shake things up with Kamilla Cardoso, Hailey Van Lith and a new coach. The Los Angeles Sparks have also bolstered their lineup, bringing in veteran Kelsey Plum – former first overall pick in 2017 and two-time WNBA champion in exchange for their first pick (second overall) in this year’s draft. Plum joins sophomores Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson and Dearica Hamby as the Sparks chase their fourth title and first since 2016, hoping to end a four-year playoff drought.
Sparks Stars Call Out Lakers for Skipping WNBA Games
During a lively chat on the Straight to Cam podcast, Los Angeles Sparks players Cameron Brink and Dearica Hamby didn’t mince words about their NBA neighbors, the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite sharing the Crypto.com Arena and adjacent locker rooms, the duo pointed out that Lakers players are nowhere to be seen at Sparks games – a trend they attribute to the NBA’s offseason overlapping with the WNBA’s schedule.
In a not so surprising twist, Brink and Hamby confessed their fandom for Luka Doncic, saying they’ve watched nearly every game since he joined the Lakers. As for LeBron James? They brushed him off with a joke, saying he’s “sipping fine wine in the offseason,” making his absence from the conversation, and the stands, noticeable.
A New Season for the LA Sparks
Looking ahead, the Sparks’ season hinges on several uncertainties, most notably Cameron Brink’s recovery from a knee injury. Reports indicate that she’ll be sidelined until June, right before the All-Star break, after undergoing successful surgery following last year’s setback. While this puts early pressure on the revamped roster, Brink and Hamby’s comments could reverberate through the Lakers’ locker room, possibly prompting some players to show up for Sparks games. The WNBA’s rising tide – with higher TV ratings, packed arenas and growing buzz – might tempt some Lakers to stop by once their playoff run is over. For now, though, the Lakers are focused on postseason glory while the Sparks prepare for training camp later this month.
With tip-off set for May 16, the Sparks are banking on their new pieces and vocal stars to turn heads. Whether they’ll light a spark under the Lakers remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: The WNBA’s momentum isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
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