The Sparks went from a young team trying to rebuild around two lottery picks to a veteran-heavy squad with win-now aspirations in just two seasons. And yet, they have an 8-10 losing record and sit in tenth place in the standings.
Losing Kelsey Plum and Cameron Brink to injuries was a tough blow, but even when they’re healthy, the Sparks’ defense just isn’t good enough. The Sparks have the worst defensive rating in the league. They give up 94.3 points per game, opponents shoot almost 50% against them, and they struggle to keep players away from the basket, allowing the third-most points in the paint.
Missing the playoffs again would be a disaster for the Sparks after they gave up a 2025 lottery pick for Plum and traded Rickea Jackson for Ariel Atkins. So, making a trade to bring in some extra defense before the deadline doesn’t seem like a bad plan.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, who is in an odd situation in New York right now, would be a great get for the Sparks. Liberty coach Chris DeMarco may not want to play her, but Lynne Roberts needs another defensive weapon.
Laney-Hamilton’s defense could help the Sparks
Laney-Hamilton comes with a reputation as a strong defender, which is exactly what the Sparks need. She also comes with an extensive injury history. She missed all of last season and only played 28 games in the Liberty’s championship season.
But that’s not why she hasn’t been on the court recently. Laney-Hamilton received two straight DNP-Coach’s Decision, first in the Commissioner’s Cup Final against the Aces and then once again in a 99-88 win against the Lynx. Hamilton has been a starter in New York for several years when available, so it’s definitely strange to see her get DNPs when she’s not on the injury report.
When DeMarco was asked about Laney-Hamilton’s playing time in the postgame media availability after the win against Minnesota, he said, “We obviously didn’t play a lot of players tonight. I still have confidence in her. Our staff, players have confidence in her. She’s going to get her opportunity again. We believe in her. Just didn’t go to her tonight, but we know what she can do, and we’ll get there.”
In LA, Laney-Hamilton’s opportunity would be immediate. Rae Burrell has great speed and athleticism, but Atkins is the only true lockdown perimeter defender on the team. Plus, Kate Martin, who adds a 3-and-D presence on the wing, has almost reached her limit of DP games.
Laney-Hamilton made All-Defensive Teams in 2020 and 2023 and helped the Liberty win a title just two years ago. The Sparks could use someone like that because Atkins cannot guard every single perimeter threat, and Brink cannot block every shot when she’s healthy.
Laney-Hamilton is more than just a defender, though. She was an All-Star just a few seasons ago and has been a reliable 3-point shooter in recent years.
The only question is just what it would take for the Liberty to move on from Laney-Hamilton. Just one injury to Breanna Stewart or Leonie Fiebich could push her into a much bigger role again.
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