Last Updated on August 2, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The Los Angeles Sparks 1998 were anchored by Lisa Leslie, who led the team as its primary scorer, rebounder, and interior defender. Ukari Figgs and Mwadi Mabika complemented her with reliable perimeter scoring, while Tamecka Dixon added balanced production on both ends of the floor. The Sparks combined strong rebounding with an inside-out offensive approach, receiving steady contributions across the lineup while relying on Leslie’s all-around impact to set the tone.

HeatingUp Impact Index: Team Impact Spotlight

Player Name Role Tier MPG Usage Tier PPG RPG APG STK (SPG + BPG) Impact Index Notes Awards
Lisa Leslie Starter/Star (1.1) 32.1 High (1.2) 19.6 10.2 2.5 3.6 94.51 Dominant interior focal point who anchored both ends of the floor. Contemporary coverage consistently highlighted her rebounding, rim protection and leadership as the Sparks evolved into a legitimate contender, with her presence defining the team’s identity beyond the box score. All-WNBA First Team (1998), WNBA All-Star (1999)
Tamecka Dixon Starter/Star (1.1) 32.3 High (1.2) 16.2 2.5 2.5 1.5 59.66 Functioned as an aggressive scoring guard who attacked gaps and carried major perimeter shot-creation duties. Reports from the season frequently noted her confidence as an offensive spark alongside Lisa Leslie rather than simply a complementary scorer. None
Penny Toler Starter/Star (1.1) 31.5 Medium (1.1) 12.3 3.5 4.8 1.2 52.03 Controlled tempo as the veteran lead guard, organizing the offense while balancing scoring and playmaking. Even as backcourt competition increased, coaches continued to trust her experience in key situations during the Sparks’ breakthrough campaign. None
Mwadi Mabika Starter/Star (1.1) 24.5 Medium (1.1) 8.2 4.4 1.5 1.3 37.39 Athletic wing whose defensive activity and transition play drew praise as her role expanded. Coverage often described her as an emerging two-way contributor whose energy changed the pace of games. None
Pamela McGee Starter/Star (1.1) 19.0 Low (1.0) 6.8 4.8 0.4 1.6 29.92 Physical reserve post who supplied rebounding and interior toughness. Veteran experience gave Los Angeles dependable frontcourt depth, particularly when additional size and screening were needed. None
Haixia Zheng Bench (1.0) 16.3 Low (1.0) 7.5 4.3 0.5 0.2 25.00 Limited contemporary coverage is available, but independent reporting generally focused on her efficient low-post scoring and size during a brief stint rather than a featured offensive role. None
Sandra Van Embricqs Bench (1.0) 16.8 Low (1.0) 3.4 2.7 0.6 1.2 15.80 Filled a rotational frontcourt role, providing hustle, rebounding and positional defense. Her value came more from reliable minutes and interior depth than offensive production. None
Katrina Colleton Key Contributor (1.05) 19.2 Low (1.0) 2.7 1.7 1.6 1.0 14.70 Played a utility role across the perimeter, supplying defensive effort and secondary ball movement. Coaches leaned on her versatility more than her scoring. None
Allison Feaster Bench (1.0) 13.7 Low (1.0) 3.3 0.7 1.0 0.7 11.40 Limited contemporary coverage is available, though reports viewed her as a developmental wing with perimeter shooting potential while she adjusted to the professional game. None
Eugenia Rycraw Bench (1.0) 11.3 Low (1.0) 2.3 2.5 0.2 1.3 12.60 Defensive-minded reserve forward whose minutes were built around rebounding and interior effort rather than offensive touches. None
Jamila Wideman Bench (1.0) 13.2 Low (1.0) 1.9 0.9 2.3 0.4 11.00 Reserve point guard who primarily stabilized the second unit with ball handling and decision-making instead of looking for her own offense. None
Octavia Blue Bench (1.0) 11.0 Low (1.0) 2.4 1.6 0.3 0.5 9.60 Provided energy in short stretches, filling a depth role without a consistent offensive workload. None
Erin Alexander Bench (1.0) 9.1 Low (1.0) 2.8 1.9 0.8 0.3 11.60 Limited contemporary coverage is available, but available reporting characterized her as a developmental perimeter option competing for rotation minutes. None
Michelle Reed Bench (1.0) 5.4 Low (1.0) 1.6 1.2 0.2 0.3 6.60 Saw only a limited reserve role, contributing depth while spending most appearances in short rotations. None
Totals 91.2 43.3 21.2 15.8 392.31 Los Angeles relied on Lisa Leslie as its franchise centerpiece while veteran guards Penny Toler and Tamecka Dixon directed much of the perimeter offense. Emerging contributors and experienced reserves helped the Sparks develop into one of the WNBA’s rising teams during the regular season. WNBA Western Conference Finals (1999)