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Sparks find their next head coach after WNBA Draft Lottery snub

The Sparks have a new head coach.

By Joey Mistretta

Mar 23, 2024; Spokane, WA, USA; Utah Utes head coach Lynn Roberts reacts against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits during the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mar 23, 2024; Spokane, WA, USA; Utah Utes head coach Lynn Roberts reacts against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits during the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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The Los Angeles Sparks have hired former UConn women's basketball head coach Lynne Roberts as their next head coach, the team announced on Tuesday. The move comes after the Sparks received the second overall pick in the WNBA Draft, as the Dallas Wings landed the first overall pick via the WNBA Draft Lottery.

Los Angeles made the decision to move on from head coach Curt Miller following the 2024 season. LA finished with the worst record in the league and they clearly felt as if a change was necessary. The Sparks took their time before announcing a new head coach, but they have now made a decision.

Lynne Roberts ready to take over Sparks head coaching role

Roberts had been the head coach at Utah since 2015. Utah Women's Basketball revealed that Gavin Petersen will replace Roberts.

Los Angeles has missed the postseason in four consecutive years. Roberts will be missed at Utah but she is now set to help lead the Sparks in the WNBA. LA features potential with stars such as Dearica Hamby on the roster, but they still need to build a contender.

Nevertheless, the Sparks are hoping to contend sooner rather than later. Perhaps Roberts will help Los Angeles take the next step forward.

Roberts earned one Pac 12 championship during her time with Utah. She became a respected head coach with the team, and now she is set to begin her next chapter.

Sparks trying to get back on track

As mentioned, the Sparks have potential with a number of reliable players on the roster. They lack enough depth, though, to make a legitimate championship run anytime soon.

Los Angeles is continuing to rebuild as they look to get back on track. The Sparks last reached the postseason in 2020. LA was one of the better teams in the WNBA during the 2010's decade as they reached the postseason nine times in 10 years. Since 2021, however, success has been difficult to find for the Sparks.

The hope is that Lynne Roberts can lead them back into contention. Fans must be patient, though, as LA continues their aforementioned rebuild.

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