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What does success look like for the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2023 WNBA season?

By Lukas Petridis

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 04: Chiney Ogwumike #13 of the Los Angeles Sparks looks to pass the ball in the first half against the Phoenix Mercury at Crypto.com Arena on July 04, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 04: Chiney Ogwumike #13 of the Los Angeles Sparks looks to pass the ball in the first half against the Phoenix Mercury at Crypto.com Arena on July 04, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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The 2023 WNBA season is going to be intriguing to follow for the Los Angeles Sparks. After an extremely successful offseason things are looking good in LA.

The Liz Cambage experiment went … well it went, for the Los Angeles Sparks in 2022. With a tumultuous season behind them and scattered run home without their star big, it was time to cast their eyes towards the 2023 offseason.

After the massive moves and formation of superteams in New York and Las Vegas, L.A. had an under-the-radar free agency. They made steadying moves and the front office set a good momentum for competence in 2023.

With Curt Miller replacing Derek Fisher as head coach and a new general manager in Karen Bryant, this was sure to spark major roster moves. Notable additions to the roster include Dearica Hamby, Jasmine Thomas, Steph Talbot (although injured) and Azurá Stevens — four extremely professional, dependable, consistent players join a franchise who were able to bring back both Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike.

Add in the retention of Lexie Brown and her 3-point shooting as well as a a piece who could help as a spot-starter or off the bench. Katie Lou Samuelson brings shooting of her own as well as malleability in the front court and experience as a starter over the past two seasons in two different environments, another valuable player to have. Surround the Ogwumike’s with solid basketball players and good things are sure to be coming.

The challenges for the Los Angeles Sparks are going to be about fit and continuity

Chemistry could take some time with this team, especially with a new head coach who has their own ideas of what direction is best for this roster. This could see LA fall behind the pack in the early going, but I’m a firm believer in good roster construction paying off.

There are a few doubts about the health of this roster, with Hamby, Thomas and Chiney being the question marks. Although many pundits will be thinking it’s very unlikely that we live in a world where all three are relatively healthy for the whole season, I am a believer. I have faith that this franchise will prioritize its player’s health as this will be key to short-term and future success.

For the 2023 season, I think the Sparks should cut themselves some slack in the early going, but after they figure things out they should look to crush their opponents every night. A 24-16 record would be an incredible season for a team who’s accounting for a slow start. They should build a blueprint and a track record for success, then go hell for leather next year.

We have been robbed of some seriously stingy defense during the Hamby-Talbot minutes this year, so hopefully this team will be humming and healthy for 2024. If the Sparks are able to retain their core for next season then the major question this article has asked about chemistry will be answered and they will have the benefit of continuity as well.

It’s not only a new roster in LA but the team has gone from whatever it was last year to on the clock this year, that’s another adjustment they will need to make organizationally. I’m excited and intrigued by what the basketball product will look like for the Los Angeles Sparks this season.

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