The Los Angeles Sparks are one of the more intriguing teams in the WNBA heading into the 2025 season. LA acquired All-Star guard Kelsey Plum from the Las Vegas Aces this past offseason. Dearica Hamby also returns to lead the Sparks once again. Second-year players Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink may be on the verge of big 2025 seasons as well.
Jackson displayed signs of potential across 40 games played (35 starts) in 2024. Brink, meanwhile, was limited to 15 games played due to an injury. She is still recovering from her injury and won't return until later in the season.
Jackson's rookie season was respectable while Brink's was defined by an injury, but both players are poised to take steps forward in 2025. However, it is Jackson who is set to have an All-Star season.
Rickea Jackson's 2025 outlook
Jackson, 24, averaged 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per outing in 2024. She also shot 45.6 percent from the field and 34.7 percent on her three-point attempts. One especially interesting storyline to follow from Jackson's offensive game will be how often she shoots the long ball.
In 2024, Jackson recorded 3.1 three-point attempts per game. With a play-maker in Plum now on the team, Jackson could see an increase in open looks from beyond the arc. She is unquestionably a reliable three-level scorer, but an increase in three-point attempts could make her offensive game even more dangerous.
Jackson's numbers are going to improve in her second year. The Sparks being a better team overall will only help the situation. Jackson is set for a big campaign.
Cameron Brink's 2025 outlook
Brink, a 21-year-old, averaged 7.5 points per game across her 15 contests in 2024. She also recorded per game averages of 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. She only shot 39.8 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from beyond the arc, but there is a chance those numbers could have improved had she stayed healthy and developed further comfortability in the WNBA.
Brink is hoping to stay healthy once she returns. She likely won't make the All-Star team, as Brink isn't expected to return until June. Still, it would not be surprising to see Brink enjoy a strong second half of the '25 campaign.
Sparks' bright future
Plum and Hamby are quality veterans. Jackson and Brink may be able to lead the Sparks for years to come. The Sparks' short-term outlook is becoming increasingly optimistic, while the long-term outlook is bright as well.