Last Updated on August 7, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The 2023 Los Angeles Sparks were powered by Nneka Ogwumike’s efficient inside scoring and rebounding, while Jordin Canada drove the offense with high-level playmaking and disruptive perimeter defense. Dearica Hamby added versatile production across multiple categories, and Azurá Stevens stretched the floor from the frontcourt. Los Angeles played a balanced, defense-first style with strong rebounding and ball movement, though inconsistent three-point shooting and turnovers limited its offensive consistency.

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) 31.1 High (1.2) 19.1 8.8 2.7 2.4 77.35 Ogwumike remained the Sparks’ offensive foundation, working through face-up attacks, post positioning, and efficient interior scoring while also carrying a major rebounding load. Her veteran presence helped stabilize a young Los Angeles roster, and she continued to be viewed around the league as one of the WNBA’s most dependable two-way forwards. WNBA All-Star (2024); WNBA All-Defensive Second Team (2024)
Jordin Canada Starter/Star (1.1) 32.6 High (1.2) 13.3 3.1 6.0 2.5 61.18 Canada took on full lead-guard responsibilities, driving the Sparks’ offense through pick-and-roll creation, transition pressure, and aggressive perimeter defense. Her improvement as a scorer alongside her elite ball pressure made her one of the league’s more impactful two-way guards during the season. WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2024)
Lexie Brown Key Contributor (1.05) 30.3 Medium (1.1) 12.4 2.1 2.4 1.2 39.85 Brown provided high-value perimeter spacing and quick decision-making as a shooting guard who could punish defensive rotations. Her 41.5% three-point shooting gave the Sparks a needed floor spacer, although her season was shortened and limited her overall availability. None
Azura Stevens Starter/Star (1.1) 26.0 Medium (1.1) 10.8 5.9 1.1 2.1 43.34 Stevens brought frontcourt versatility as a stretch big capable of defending multiple positions and stepping outside to create matchup problems. Her combination of shooting range, rebounding, and rim protection allowed Los Angeles to experiment with different frontcourt combinations. None
Layshia Clarendon Key Contributor (1.05) 28.6 Medium (1.1) 11.1 3.0 3.4 1.1 39.27 Clarendon operated as a steady veteran guard, providing secondary playmaking and efficient shooting while helping organize possessions. Coaches valued the composure and physicality they brought to a backcourt that relied heavily on decision-making and defensive communication. None
Karlie Samuelson Key Contributor (1.05) 26.1 Low (1.0) 7.7 3.0 2.0 0.7 28.56 Samuelson carved out a dependable wing role through smart spacing, quick releases, and disciplined off-ball movement. Her 42.6% three-point shooting made her an important complementary piece, particularly in lineups needing additional shooting around Ogwumike. None
Dearica Hamby Key Contributor (1.05) 24.8 Medium (1.1) 8.9 5.9 1.8 1.2 37.25 Hamby gave Los Angeles energy as a versatile forward who could rebound, defend across positions, and attack mismatches. Her transition ability and willingness to do the less visible work made her an important connector within the Sparks’ rotation. WNBA All-Star (2024)
Chiney Ogwumike Key Contributor (1.05) 21.2 Low (1.0) 8.4 4.3 1.3 1.6 32.76 Chiney provided physical interior minutes and veteran stability, using rebounding instincts and strength around the basket. Her role was smaller than earlier in her career, but she remained effective as a frontcourt presence in specific matchups. None
Destanni Henderson Bench (1.0) 16.9 Low (1.0) 5.0 0.8 2.5 0.8 18.20 Henderson served as a reserve guard option, bringing speed and pick-and-roll ability in limited stretches. The Sparks used her primarily as a developmental ball-handler while she adjusted to a reduced role behind established perimeter players. None
Zia Cooke Bench (1.0) 14.1 Low (1.0) 4.8 0.9 0.8 0.6 14.20 Cooke spent the season adapting from college scoring responsibilities into a smaller professional role focused on defensive growth and perimeter shooting. Her athleticism gave Los Angeles a long-term developmental piece, though consistency remained a challenge. None
Jasmine Thomas Bench (1.0) 12.8 Low (1.0) 2.7 1.1 1.3 0.5 11.20 Thomas provided veteran guard depth and leadership, helping with ball security and defensive positioning during limited minutes. Her reduced role reflected the Sparks’ preference for younger guards while still valuing her experience. None
Joyner Holmes Bench (1.0) 12.0 Low (1.0) 4.2 3.4 0.2 0.4 16.40 Holmes brought physicality and rebounding from the forward spot, using her strength to compete inside during short opportunities. Her minutes were limited, but her defensive activity provided useful frontcourt depth. None
Rae Burrell Bench (1.0) 11.1 Low (1.0) 3.6 1.2 0.6 0.5 11.80 Burrell worked as a reserve wing developing into a more reliable three-and-D option. Her athletic tools and shooting potential remained intriguing, though the Sparks gave her limited offensive responsibility. None
Nia Clouden Bench (1.0) 10.8 Low (1.0) 1.6 0.4 1.8 0.0 7.60 Clouden provided emergency backcourt minutes as a young guard learning the pace and physicality of the WNBA. Her role centered on ball handling and facilitating rather than scoring opportunities. None
Evina Westbrook Bench (1.0) 6.2 Low (1.0) 1.1 0.9 0.7 0.4 6.20 Westbrook saw limited action as a depth guard, contributing mainly through energy and defensive effort. Her opportunities were restricted within a crowded perimeter rotation. None
Los Angeles Sparks Totals — 124.7 44.6 28.8 17.1 554.13 Team statistical totals from listed player averages. The Sparks were built around veteran frontcourt production, lead guard creation from Canada, and a mix of shooting wings designed to complement their primary offensive pieces.