Sparks Set to Fly for LA's Youthful WNBA Team

(Photo : (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)) AS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 27: Lexie Brown #4 of the Los Angeles Sparks takes the ball upcourt during the first quarter of a game against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on May 27, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement

It's a new era for the Sparks in Los Angeles.

After an offseason full of changes, the Sparks want to return to their winning ways, kicking off a rebuild with two high WNBA draft picks.

It's no secret that the team that once won three WNBA Championships has struggled to make waves in the league since Candace Parker left in 2021. Since then they have missed the playoffs for the past three seasons.

The Sparks are coming off a season in which they were just one game out of 8th place for the final playoff spot, finishing the year with a record of 17-23.

The franchise now looks to kick off a new era after a strong draft under Curt Miller's second year with the Los Angeles Sparks.

Los Angeles Sparks Offseason

It was an offseason full of ups and downs for the Sparks.

LA managed to trade for point guard Kia Nurse and the 4th overall pick in this year's WNBA draft, one in which they used to take Rickea Jackson out of Tennessee.

In that same draft, the Sparks used their No.2 overall pick to take Stanford standout center Cameron Brink, and they also got a steal in the draft, taking McKenzie Forbes out of USC.

However, the downside is that the Sparks will be without their star player, Nneka Ogwumike, who signed with the Seattle Storm during the offseason.

Ogwumike spent 12 seasons with the Sparks, winning a championship as part of the 2016 squad alongside Candace Parker.

Her absence will be felt in Los Angeles as she was one of the only leftovers.

Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson in LA

The Los Angeles Sparks have shown that they now have the talent to win, but may need some more time to help acclimate two, hopefully, young franchise cornerstones.

For that reason, it's expected that the Sparks will take a step back this season after nearly making the playoffs.

The goal should be the development of Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson, who both have big shoes to fill this season without Nneka Ogwumike.

Brink is already an elite shot blocker and rebounder with a great touch around the rim; potentially growing into an inside force for the LA Sparks.

Jackson has proven to be an elite scorer during her time in Tennessee and could likely be the Sparks' primary source of offense down the line.

The Los Angeles Sparks also have a great mixture of veterans and role players in women like Lexie Brown and Dearica Hamby, who should help make life easier in the WNBA for their new talented rookies.

The Kia Nurse trade should prove to be one of the better moves done by a team this offseason as the Canadian product is a veteran point guard and a proven All-Star, who should help greatly in the development of their two young stars.