LA is demanding. Let it be in the NBA or in the ‘W’, the fans want their team to win. But the 2025 season has been underwhelming for storied franchises. With a 6-14 record in the first 20 games, the Los Angeles Sparks are pushing for a postseason place. Standing 11th in the league table, Lynne Roberts is the first-time WNBA HC to have a mountain to climb.
Her side struggled with several injuries and consistency in the league. But the team tried to remain competitive in the ‘W’, beating a few top teams. Their mid-season trades had been a hot topic, with 12 transactions already in the league from the start of the season. Now, the LA franchise has declared another roster shakeup.
Los Angeles Sparks Looking To Get Their Roster Ready For Playoffs
The three-time WNBA champions suited up for the 2025 season, adding dynamic guard Kelsey Plum to their young roster and letting go of Jewell Loyd in the trade. The Former Champion was a shrewd addition. The recent addition of Julie Vanloo was also an impactful move, allowing some depth and firepower in the backcourt.
But now, the side has waived 29-year-old center Mercedes Russell, making a spot for a possible further addition. The two-time Champion didn’t fit in the system and averaged 1.7 points and 1.2 rebounds per game.
Even though her departure might not hurt the roster statistically, it will affect the frontcourt rotation. The team has four rookies, including the ones drafted in 2024, which puts pressure on the veterans to perform in every game. In the midst of this, the current move suggests that the franchise is already looking to add players in the coming days.
With the acquisition of Vanloo, the team has already shown it is ready to take steps to make room for the right players. Fans will be eager for the next update from the front office.
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Is Los Angeles Sparks Preparing For Cameron Brink’s Return?
The Western Conference powerhouse had made several changes in its roster to find the right balance in the season. The forward line of Dearica Hamby, Azura Stevens, and Rickea Jackson remained consistent in the lineup, with only Kelsey Plum making regular appearances in the backcourt.
The addition of Vanloo might have provided some support in the backcourt. Now, all eyes are on the franchise’s next move with its 2024 2nd overall draft pick, Cameron Brink, nearing her return from a long injury break. Releasing a frontcourt player clearly makes sense to add their prized forward in the coming days.
The Belgian star’s waiver gives the Sparks flexibility to sign someone else, as they are now down to 11 players. Interestingly, Brink herself stated the need for an additional roster spot to deal with the league’s demands. The Sparks will take on the Connecticut Sun on July 13, and all eyes will be on the franchise’s next roster update.
Also Read: VIDEO: Kelsey Plum’s Wild Mid-Game Push-ups Ignite Sparks’ Fever Thriller