The Phoenix Mercury made several big moves this offseason. After losing Brittney Griner to the Atlanta Dream and Diana Taurasi to retirement, the Mercury traded for Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas.
They also signed Latvian wing Kitija Laksa to a guaranteed one-year $80,000 contract. Teams very rarely offer a player who has never stepped foot onto a WNBA court a guaranteed contract, much less one that immediately makes them the sixth-highest-paid player on the roster. It was a bold move from the Mercury that could have backfired. Laksa may have a lot of experience playing in Europe, but the transition to the WNBA can still be difficult.
The gamble is already paying off, though. After taking some time to get used to her new team and the WNBA’s style of play, Laksa put together a strong game to help the Mercury to a come-back win over the Chicago Sky.
Kitija Laksa had a big game against the Sky
The Mercury had to battle to get a win over the struggling Chicago Sky. Kitija Laksa was a big part of the team’s comeback effort. She finished the game with a very efficient 18 points, one assist, and one steal. It was a breakout game for the 29-year-old rookie and the first instance that her shotmaking ability really translated to the WNBA.
In the Mercury’s previous three games, Laksa only scored a total of seventeen points, obviously still getting used to her new environment. Then, she showed why the Mercury signed her.
Phoenix desperately needed 3-point shooters around its three stars. Laksa has been just that for several seasons in Europe. She spent the 2024-25 season playing for Familia Schio alongside Golden State Valykries’ rookie Janelle Salaün and shot the three incredibly well. Over 28 Italy-Serie A1 games, Laksa converted 38.8 percent of her 160 attempts from long range. In the EuroLeague competition, she made 37 of her 96 3-point attempts—38.5 percent.
That is the kind of shooting the Mercury’s front office was hoping to add to its revamped roster. So far, Laksa has delivered, converting 42.1 percent of her 4.8 attempts per game. That is one of the best shooting percentages on the roster.
The Mercury look great to start the season
Ahead of the 2025 season, there were some doubts surrounding the new-look Mercury. The roster is top-heavy, very focused on its three All-Stars, and lacks depth compared to other contenders. Nevertheless, the Mercury have looked great, starting the season with a 4-1 record despite missing Kahleah Copper.
The Mercury’s rookies have delivered so far. After Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas, the Mercury’s top scorers are Monique Akou Makani, Kitija Laska, Kathryn Westbeld, and Lexie Held. All four are currently in their first WNBA season. Nevertheless, they have been a big part of the Mercury’s success, providing strong minutes next to Sabally and Thomas and spacing the floor. All four are shooting over 38 percent on a relatively high volume.