The Los Angeles Sparks continue to face challenges this WNBA season following the trade of star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury ahead of the deadline. Despite external perceptions that the move signals a concession of playoff hopes, veteran forward Nneka Ogwumike remains focused on maintaining competitiveness as the team vies for a final playoff spot.
The Sparks have struggled to fulfill preseason expectations after acquiring Ogwumike, Ariel Atkins, and Erica Wheeler with the intent of returning to postseason contention. Currently, they trail Washington by six games for the eighth and final playoff position, coming off a six-game losing streak that ended with a win against Portland on Sunday. However, a subsequent loss to the Chicago Sky on Wednesday compounded their difficulties.
Amid the season’s turbulence, the Sparks’ front office has undergone changes. General manager Raegan Pebley was dismissed in mid-July, a move that appeared to signal a shift in organizational direction. Shortly thereafter, Plum announced she would not return to the Sparks following the expiration of her contract this season.
Ogwumike addressed the trade and Plum’s impending departure, emphasizing professionalism and understanding within the team. “We want her to be happy. We want her to be healthy,” she said, noting that the circumstances, while difficult, have been handled in a manner comfortable to everyone involved and offer some renewed energy for the team.
Head coach Lynne Roberts highlighted that the Sparks have already been adjusting to Plum’s absence since she was sidelined on June 24 with a lower left leg injury. “It would have been more of an adjustment to add her back,” Roberts said. Consequently, the team is building on the approach they have maintained over the past month.
In return for Plum, the Sparks acquired guard Monique Akoa Makani and a first-round pick in the 2024 draft, which is anticipated to be a lottery selection. Roberts praised Makani’s versatility, pointing to her ability to play both guard positions and her elite defensive skills, particularly in on-ball and ball-screen coverage. Makani, who started as a rookie point guard for a WNBA Finals team last season, is expected to integrate quickly and relieve pressure on Atkins and Wheeler, who have been logging heavy minutes.
If the Sparks fail to reach the playoffs, they are projected to select sixth overall in next year’s draft, as the league calculates lottery odds based on combined results from two seasons. There remains a remote possibility of winning the top pick, which could be used on USC standout JuJu Watkins should she forgo her senior year.
Despite the setbacks, Ogwumike refrained from conceding the season. “We’ve been playing better,” she said. “We want to be able to turn that into some kind of streak,” signaling the team’s desire to finish the year strongly amid a challenging campaign.