Last Updated on August 12, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The 2024 Los Angeles Sparks were led by Dearica Hamby, who carried the offense with versatile scoring, rebounding, and all-around production, while rookie Rickea Jackson emerged as a secondary scoring option and Azurá Stevens added frontcourt spacing and interior presence. The Sparks played at an up-tempo pace but struggled with offensive efficiency and consistent scoring, as solid rebounding and individual contributions were outweighed by inefficient shooting and defensive shortcomings.

NO. PLAYER POS. HT. WT. BIRTH DATE COLLEGE
1 Zia Cooke G 5-9 163 January 9, 2001 South Carolina
2 Rickea Jackson F 6-2 175 March 16, 2001 Mississippi State, Tennessee
4 Lexie Brown G 5-9 162 October 27, 1994 Maryland, Duke
5 Dearica Hamby F 6-3 189 November 6, 1993 Wake Forest
7 Stephanie Talbot F 6-2 192 June 15, 1994 —
10 Kia Nurse G 6-0 195 February 22, 1996 UConn
11 Crystal Dangerfield G 5-5 130 May 11, 1998 UConn, UConn
12 Rae Burrell G-F 6-2 168 June 21, 2000 Tennessee
15 Aari McDonald G 5-6 141 August 20, 1998 Washington, Arizona
22 Cameron Brink F 6-4 170 December 31, 2001 Stanford
23 Azura Stevens F-C 6-6 180 February 1, 1996 Duke, UConn
25 Layshia Clarendon G 5-9 158 May 2, 1991 California
28 Li Yueru C 6-7 — March 28, 1999 —
— Queen Egbo F-C 6-4 190 June 29, 2000 Baylor
— Odyssey Sims G 5-8 155 July 13, 1992 Baylor

HeatingUp Impact Index: Team Impact Spotlight

Player Name Role Tier MPG Usage Tier PPG RPG APG STK (SPG + BPG) Impact Index Notes Awards
Dearica Hamby Starter/Star (1.1) 33.7 High (1.2) 17.3 9.2 3.5 1.9 80.39 Hamby became the Sparks’ primary two-way forward, combining downhill attacks, rebounding instincts, and versatile defensive assignments. Her ability to handle the ball, run in transition, and create mismatches made her one of Los Angeles’ most important offensive connectors during the season. WNBA All-Star (2024)
Azura Stevens Key Contributor (1.05) 24.7 Medium (1.1) 9.6 7.0 1.9 1.8 46.89 Stevens provided frontcourt spacing and defensive versatility, often stretching opposing bigs away from the rim while protecting the paint on the other end. Her combination of rebounding, three-point shooting, and mobility gave the Sparks flexibility in smaller lineups. None
Rickea Jackson Key Contributor (1.05) 28.8 Medium (1.1) 13.4 3.9 1.5 1.1 45.97 Jackson stepped into a major scoring role as a rookie wing, showing confidence creating shots from the perimeter and attacking closeouts. Her development as a reliable offensive option gave Los Angeles another player capable of generating points outside the post. WNBA All-Rookie Team (2024)
Odyssey Sims Key Contributor (1.05) 26.3 Medium (1.1) 9.8 1.7 5.1 1.0 40.66 Sims brought veteran point guard play to the Sparks, controlling tempo and creating offense through penetration and pick-and-roll reads. Her experience helped stabilize the backcourt during stretches when Los Angeles needed dependable ball handling. None
Cameron Brink Key Contributor (1.05) 21.9 Low (1.0) 7.5 5.3 1.7 3.4 37.59 Brink made an immediate defensive impact as a rookie, using elite timing as a shot blocker and showing comfort defending away from the basket. Her offensive role remained secondary, but her rim protection and rebounding changed the way opponents attacked the Sparks. WNBA All-Rookie Team (2024)
Lexie Brown Key Contributor (1.05) 23.7 Low (1.0) 8.1 2.3 3.3 1.2 31.29 Brown served as a spacing guard who could handle secondary creation duties and punish defensive help with perimeter shooting. The Sparks relied on her decision-making and ability to keep offensive possessions moving when primary creators were pressured. None
Aari McDonald Bench (1.0) 21.8 Medium (1.1) 8.7 2.0 3.7 1.1 31.00 McDonald provided energy as a reserve guard, attacking the basket and applying pressure defensively. Her speed allowed Los Angeles to change pace, though her role centered more around creating disruption than running the entire offense. None
Kia Nurse Key Contributor (1.05) 20.3 Low (1.0) 7.6 1.6 1.3 0.5 23.10 Nurse worked primarily as a perimeter scorer and floor spacer after returning from injury, offering veteran shooting and off-ball movement. The Sparks used her experience to add balance to wing rotations. None
Stephanie Talbot Bench (1.0) 16.2 Low (1.0) 3.5 2.7 2.1 1.0 18.60 Talbot filled a versatile reserve role, contributing through smart passing, rebounding, and defensive positioning rather than high-volume scoring. Her ability to cover multiple positions gave Los Angeles lineup flexibility. None
Layshia Clarendon Bench (1.0) 16.0 Low (1.0) 4.3 1.8 2.6 0.7 18.80 Clarendon provided veteran leadership and steady guard play in limited minutes. Their value came from organization, communication, and helping younger players navigate WNBA defensive schemes. None
Rae Burrell Bench (1.0) 15.6 Low (1.0) 5.9 1.8 1.1 1.1 19.80 Burrell continued developing as a reserve wing capable of spacing the floor and defending multiple positions. Her role focused on providing athleticism and perimeter shooting alongside the Sparks’ veteran core. None
Li Yueru Bench (1.0) 14.4 Low (1.0) 5.1 3.7 0.6 0.5 19.80 Li gave Los Angeles interior size and efficient finishing around the basket. Her role was based around rebounding, physical screening, and providing a traditional center presence in selected matchups. None
Crystal Dangerfield Bench (1.0) 12.8 Low (1.0) 3.3 1.0 2.0 0.6 13.80 Dangerfield supplied backup point guard minutes, focusing on ball movement and perimeter pressure. Her opportunities were limited within a crowded guard rotation, but she provided additional depth and experience. None
Zia Cooke Bench (1.0) 8.9 Low (1.0) 3.6 0.6 0.6 0.4 10.40 Cooke spent the season in a developmental role, using her athleticism and shooting potential in short stretches. The Sparks emphasized growth in defensive consistency and decision-making. None
Queen Egbo Bench (1.0) 2.0 Low (1.0) 1.0 1.5 0.0 0.5 6.00 Egbo received limited opportunities but provided frontcourt depth with rebounding instincts and interior activity. Her brief appearances came in a crowded Sparks frontcourt rotation. None
Los Angeles Sparks Totals — 119.9 46.1 29.0 18.3 423.46 Team statistical totals from listed player averages. The Sparks were built around Hamby’s all-around production, a developing young wing scorer in Jackson, and a collection of versatile players who contributed through defense, spacing, and lineup flexibility.