During her first season playing at Crypto.com Arena, four-time All-Star point guard Kelsey Plum has transformed her style of play, becoming an essential presence for the Los Angeles Sparks. The San Diego native from La Jolla has helped stabilize a team that faced early health setbacks and has now propelled the Sparks into playoff contention through consistent performances.
Under the direction of Lynne Roberts, the former Utah Utes Pac-12 Coach of the Year, the Sparks have posted a 15-16 overall record and hold the No. 6 seed in the WNBA. Impressively, they have won nine of their last 11 games, marking a significant upswing in form and confidence during the season.
Plum’s Growing Role as a Passer Boosts Team Success
Recently, Plum’s development as a facilitator has drawn attention. According to Ira Gorawara of The Los Angeles Times, she has expanded her impact beyond just scoring. Plum acknowledges this shift, explaining the importance of balancing scoring and playmaking for the team‘s success:
“I’ve always been known as a scorer and I learned that over time, your impact on the game a lot of time is because you can score, you’re going to draw attention and find people,” Plum said. “On the run we’ve been on, we’re better when I’m kind of doing both.” —Kelsey Plum, Point Guard, Los Angeles Sparks
This balance was evident in the Sparks’ recent narrow 94-91 win at home against the Seattle Storm. Plum recorded seven assists, only three turnovers, and led the team with 20 points while shooting efficiently from the field, deep range, and free throws. She also contributed six rebounds, showcasing her all-around game.
Career-Best Stats Reflect Increasing Influence
Plum is currently averaging a career-high 6.1 assists per game while scoring 19.8 points on solid shooting splits of .414 from the field, .365 from three-point range, and .906 at the free-throw line. Additionally, she adds 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals per contest, underscoring her defensive and rebounding efforts.
Lynne Roberts has praised Plum’s leadership evolution, noting the challenge of knowing when to
“push, pull, give it up, or take it over.”
The coach emphasized Plum’s competitiveness and dedication to winning:
“Leadership is hard, figuring out when to push, when to pull, when to give it up, when to take it over,” Roberts said. “[Plum] just continues to get better and better at it… She’s so competitive and wants to win.” —Lynne Roberts, Head Coach, Los Angeles Sparks
From Championship Titles to Team Leader in Los Angeles
At age 30, Plum brings valuable championship experience, having secured back-to-back WNBA titles with the Las Vegas Aces in 2022 and 2023. She earned All-WNBA First Team honors during her initial championship season, reflecting her elite level of play.
Playing alongside stars like Dearica Hamby with the Aces, Plum now leads the Sparks squad, where Hamby is no longer active this season. Together with rising talents Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson, Plum anchors a promising roster capable of competing with the league’s top teams.
LA Sparks Aim Higher Amid Strong League Competition
While teams such as the Minnesota Lynx (27-5 record), New York Liberty (20-11), and a healthy Phoenix Mercury (19-12), along with the Indiana Fever (18-14), are currently ahead in the standings, the Sparks demonstrate they can close the gap. Plum’s improved passing ability and leadership are vital to this upward trajectory.
As the season progresses, the Sparks aspire to challenge the top contenders more consistently, with Plum’s continued growth helping to guide the team through this competitive phase.