Last Updated on August 7, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The 2022 Los Angeles Sparks featured Nneka Ogwumike as the focal point of the offense, combining efficient scoring with strong rebounding and defensive play. Jordin Canada directed the attack while providing elite perimeter defense, and Brittney Sykes added versatile scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. Los Angeles thrived on defensive activity and forcing turnovers, but inconsistent three-point shooting, average offensive efficiency, and limited frontcourt depth made sustained scoring difficult throughout the season.
HeatingUp Impact Index: Team Impact Spotlight
| Player Name | Role Tier | MPG | Usage Tier | PPG | RPG | APG | STK (SPG + BPG) | Impact Index | Notes | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nneka Ogwumike | Starter/Star (1.1) | 31.4 | High (1.2) | 18.1 | 6.6 | 2.0 | 2.1 | 63.07 | The Sparks’ offensive anchor operated as a versatile interior scorer who could punish single coverage, facilitate from the elbows, and defend multiple frontcourt roles. Her 54.4% shooting reflected efficient shot selection, while her veteran leadership remained central to Los Angeles’ half-court identity during the season. | WNBA All-Star (2023); All-WNBA Second Team (2023) |
| Brittney Sykes | Key Contributor (1.05) | 28.8 | Medium (1.1) | 12.7 | 3.7 | 3.7 | 2.7 | 51.59 | Sykes brought disruptive perimeter defense and attacking pressure, often serving as the Sparks’ tone-setter on both ends. Her ability to create turnovers, push transition opportunities, and handle secondary playmaking duties gave Los Angeles an aggressive guard presence beyond traditional scoring. | WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2023) |
| Liz Cambage | Key Contributor (1.05) | 23.4 | Medium (1.1) | 13.0 | 6.4 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 49.50 | Cambage provided interior size and low-post scoring when available, using her touch around the rim and passing ability to influence possessions. Her season was limited by availability issues, but she remained one of the league’s most physically imposing offensive centers. | None |
| Jordin Canada | Key Contributor (1.05) | 27.0 | Medium (1.1) | 9.2 | 2.3 | 5.5 | 1.6 | 43.43 | Canada functioned as a traditional lead guard, organizing the offense through pick-and-roll creation and applying ball pressure defensively. Her quickness and passing instincts helped stabilize the Sparks’ backcourt, particularly when controlling tempo and generating transition chances. | None |
| Katie Lou Samuelson | Starter/Star (1.1) | 29.5 | Medium (1.1) | 9.7 | 3.0 | 1.9 | 1.2 | 40.84 | Samuelson filled a spacing-focused wing role, providing floor balance through perimeter shooting and smart off-ball movement. Her 35.2% three-point shooting helped stretch defenses, although opponents often challenged her consistency as a primary scoring option. | None |
| Chennedy Carter | Bench (1.0) | 16.4 | Medium (1.1) | 8.9 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.0 | 29.04 | Carter supplied instant offense as a reserve guard, attacking defenders with speed and creating shots off the dribble. Her role was built around changing pace and generating scoring bursts rather than controlling full-time offensive possessions. | None |
| Lexie Brown | Key Contributor (1.05) | 25.0 | Low (1.0) | 7.1 | 2.3 | 2.1 | 1.2 | 26.67 | Brown served as a perimeter specialist who spaced the floor and competed defensively on the wing. Her 39.8% three-point shooting made her a valuable complementary piece, especially in lineups needing additional shooting around interior scorers. | None |
| Chiney Ogwumike | Bench (1.0) | 18.4 | Low (1.0) | 7.0 | 5.5 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 29.20 | Chiney provided reliable frontcourt minutes through rebounding, physical screens, and efficient interior finishing. Her role shifted toward energy and lineup versatility, allowing the Sparks to maintain size and activity when Nneka rested. | None |
| Kristi Toliver | Bench (1.0) | 19.8 | Low (1.0) | 5.9 | 0.7 | 3.1 | 0.4 | 20.20 | Toliver’s limited season role centered on veteran shooting and half-court organization. Even with reduced minutes, her reputation as a clutch shot-maker and experienced floor general gave the Sparks a stabilizing presence in guard rotations. | None |
| Olivia Nelson-Ododa | Bench (1.0) | 14.5 | Low (1.0) | 4.0 | 3.0 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 17.00 | Nelson-Ododa developed as a defensive-minded reserve big, contributing through rebounding, rim protection, and activity rather than volume scoring. Her mobility allowed Los Angeles to use her in more flexible frontcourt lineups. | None |
| Rae Burrell | Bench (1.0) | 14.7 | Low (1.0) | 1.7 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 7.40 | Burrell saw limited opportunities but was viewed as a developing wing prospect whose size and shooting potential offered long-term value. Her brief appearances provided flashes of defensive versatility rather than consistent offensive production. | None |
| Kianna Smith | Bench (1.0) | 10.3 | Low (1.0) | 2.6 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 8.60 | Smith provided reserve guard depth with a spot-up shooting profile. Her limited minutes reflected a crowded backcourt rotation where defensive reliability and ball control were prioritized. | None |
| Jasmine Walker | Bench (1.0) | 8.8 | Low (1.0) | 1.6 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 7.20 | Walker occupied a depth forward role, bringing size and perimeter shooting potential while adjusting to limited WNBA opportunities. Her season was primarily developmental within the Sparks’ rotation. | None |
| Amy Atwell | Bench (1.0) | 8.0 | Low (1.0) | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 3.60 | Atwell received limited playing time as a reserve wing, with her role focused on providing spacing and energy during short stretches. The small sample size limited broader evaluation of her impact. | None |