The Los Angeles Sparks endured a forgettable 2024 season. They finished with the worst record (8-32) in the WNBA and dealt with inconsistency throughout the '24 campaign. Rookie Cameron Brink's early season injury did not help matters, and the Sparks are hoping to rebound in 2025. They will return a fairly similar roster but some change is expected in LA.
Dearica Hamby enjoyed an all-around impressive season. Hamby and other crucial Sparks players are expected to return for the 2025 campaign. So which players may end up departing this offseason?
3. Crystal Dangerfield
Crystal Dangerfield and Odyssey Sims are both on hardship contracts with the Sparks. There is a realistic chance that both players will end up on new teams in 2025. However, Sims played well throughout this past season and the Sparks may attempt to re-sign her.
Dangerfield, who has been in the WNBA since 2020, doesn't offer the same upside. Sure, she played well during her rookie season with the Minnesota Lynx in 2020, even winning the WNBA Rookie of the Year that season. Dangerfield has not been the same player since, though.
Los Angeles is rebuilding. Dangerfield is only 26 years old but the Sparks will likely go in a different direction this offseason.
2. Li Yueru
Yueru, 25, displayed signs of potential in 2024. Her club option suggests she may become a free agent, though, and the Sparks could go in a different direction at the center position.
Yueru appeared in 37 games in 2024, drawing two starts. The Sparks appreciated everything she offered the team. At 6'7", Yueru features the ability to impact the game in a pivotal manner in the paint.
Yueru's scoring ceiling is difficult to determine. She often plays in the interior and can finish around the basket. Yueru is a good rebounder, but she will likely earn a role as a backup center with whichever team she signs with.
The Sparks may opt to bring her back, but LA's primary focus will be on adding guard depth during the offseason.
1. Kia Nurse
Nurse started 27 of the 39 games she appeared in for LA during the '24 campaign. The 28-year-old guard may be of interest to the Sparks. After all, Los Angeles needs all the guard help it can get.
Nurse, however, may look to sign with a new team. She is set to enter free agency and will likely draw interest after 7.5 points per outing in her 20.4 minutes per game.
The Sparks will try to add guard depth but they would also like to bring in a reliable guard. In fact, LA would surely love to add a star at the position to play alongside Hamby and Brink. As a result, out-bidding other interested teams for Nurse may not be the top priority in Los Angeles.