r/LASparks

How should the Sparks handle the Kate Martin situation?

Obviously Kate is on a DP contract and was really only activated the last two games because Ariel was out, but I thought she played really well on Sunday and proved why she deserves a spot on the 12-player roster. She could easily be our 8th player off the bench consistently throughout the season. However, with the news that Ariel will be active on Thursday against Phoenix, how do you think the team should handle it? Should they waive someone right now and bring Kate up to the 12-player roster immediately, should they keep her as a DP player, but still activate her on Thursday so we can use her, or should they not activate her for Thursday and wait to use her 12 games? 

I sort of understand the argument to just use up her 12 games right now, regardless of players being injured or not, so the team has a longer time to decide who to waive/to evaluate Kate. But also, it’s sort of a waste to use those 12 DP games when we may need them down the road if another player gets injured (and the Sparks could easily fill that DP spot if Kate got brought up to the main roster). It also feels sort of unfair to keep Kate in the DP spot with significantly less money if the team does want to bring her to the main roster eventually. Just rip the band-aid off now, ya know? And I know it was only a couple of performances, but I do think she fully earned her spot in the game on Sunday. Idk, curious what others think about the situation!

reddit.com
u/jordanric3 — 1 day ago

Sparks attendance?

I wish more fans in LA would come to games because look at this Portland Fire team. They’re playing the Sun!! And the stadium is 19,000 full. This is near consistent every game. I’m just wondering why - we play at Crypto - an iconic arena! Is it because Sparks need to do more for fan activation? for reference LA has ~14 million in population compared to Portland at ~2 million!! Any ideas?

u/Initial_Republic_329 — 3 days ago

WNBA App

Is it just me, or does the WNBA app just really suck. I tried desperately to watch the game on Sunday, but eventually realized I'd have to watch it the next day (today). It wasn't easy to find. It was nowhere to be found on my Smart TV app. But I eventually found it on the iPad app. So I'm casting it from there to my TV. But overall, isn't that app just ... awkward?

reddit.com
u/cowboyinaf — 3 days ago

Money > Cannon

Waiting for the update where it says that Kate has been signed to a season contract and Emma has been waived. Her (Emma) position is stacked, and we have no other use for her.

u/ThothWithTheThought — 4 days ago

Park Ji-hyun scores first points in just two WNBA games! "Great energy, now showing stability" — praised by U.S. locals

Park Ji-hyun (26, LA Sparks), the star of South Korean women's basketball, delivered her first meaningful points and offensive contributions in just two games on the world's top stage, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), earning high praise from U.S. locals.

Park Ji-hyun's team, the Los Angeles (LA) Sparks, lost 96-106 to the Toronto Tempo in a home game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, on the 18th (Korean time) in the "2026 WNBA Regular Season." With this loss, the LA Sparks recorded a season record of one win and three losses.

While the team's defeat was disappointing, the game was a significant milestone for Park Ji-hyun, marking another step forward on the WNBA stage. After making her debut in a short appearance against the Las Vegas Aces on the 11th, Park played an extended amount of minutes on this day, clearly demonstrating her presence. She played for 7 minutes and 33 seconds, recording 2 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists.

Park Ji-hyun entered the court right at the start of the second quarter. She immediately assisted teammate Enneka Ogwumike's score, securing her first assist and offensive point on the WNBA stage. Although she attempted two 3-point shots, she unfortunately missed the rim.

Park Ji-hyun, who fine-tuned her sharp touch, soon scored herself. With 6 minutes and 55 seconds remaining in the second quarter, she connected with Derica Hamby's pass with a clean layup shot, recording her first points in her WNBA debut. It was a moment that left another meaningful footprint in the history of South Korean women's basketball.

Park Ji-hyun, who performed flawlessly on both offense and defense, was substituted out with 4 minutes and 49 seconds left in the second quarter. Her short but intense performance drew a flood of praise from U.S. local media and experts. David Mendez-Yacobitz, a journalist for the U.S. sports outlet ClutchPoints, mentioned Park Ji-hyun on his social media, praising her: "She showed a stable performance during her playing time. It was great energy."

starnewskorea.com
u/randysf50 — 3 days ago
▲ 91 r/LASparks+1 crossposts

WNBA record 🚨 KP tied Maya Moore for the most consecutive 25-pt games to start a season ever🤩‼️🔥⤵️

u/evans166 — 4 days ago

Honest Question: If they fired Roberts... who's your suggestion to replace her?

I know a lot of us say that coaching is one of the main problems. But who does everyone think can actually do the job to make changes so that we can get back on track, our rookies can grow, and we can be a playoff contender?

I'd like to see Kristi Toliver... and if she was willing to walk away from the Lakers... Lindsey Harding (I'd even love to see Harding as the GM - cause Pebley can go bye bye too).

reddit.com
u/Physical-Neck-2871 — 4 days ago

Kate Martin Gets Heartwarming Surprise From Her Mom During Her Los Angeles Sparks Debut

Just two seasons ago, Kate Martin came to the WNBA draft to support Caitlin Clark, and made a dream journey to the Aces roster after only “hoping” to get name called on WNBA draft night. But since then, the player switched teams twice in as many seasons and now signed a development player contract with the Los Angeles Sparks.

The contract allowed the 24-year-old to stay in the league, play competitive games, and make a case for herself to secure a more lucrative and constructive contract.

She did not have to wait much for her debut as coach Lynne Roberts used her immediately after the contract signing, putting her on the roster against the Toronto Tempo. As it was an important moment for the star, it became even more special when she saw her mother approach her at the courtside, wishing her luck for the game.

The surprising visit caught the player off guard, who could do much but hug it out to show her love and appreciation for the support.

Sadly, though, the Tempo team pushed the Sparks to the limit, giving the former Iowa player just six minutes of game time, during which she collected only one rebound and missed both her attempts. She is happy with her association with the Sparks, though, as she opened up about joining three-time champions.

totalprosports.com
u/randysf50 — 4 days ago

Member q&a

First time member, is it worth staying for it and what to expect for the Q&A? Do we think it's a starter, or no? ​​

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u/Jobber99 — 4 days ago

Need helping picking a jersey

Finally deciding on getting a jersey, but not sure what player to pick. I’m thinking Plum (best player), Brink (potential), or Ogwumike (historical best).

reddit.com
u/BananaBreadDelight — 5 days ago

What I noticed watching the bench…

Last nights game was a nail biter as always haha can never trust a great lead in the beginning. Once half time hits, it’s always a struggle to close out the game.

This was their first win of the season! A home game! And throughout the final quarters, any time a big shot went in or great defensive play…ANYTHING…the bench just sitting there. Straight face. Basic clapping.

Maybe it’s just me, but I’m used to just going crazy for my team! Hype them UP! Jump up and be stoked for your teammates! It hypes up your team, your fans! But no…that bench was just so blah. Like they’re just forced to be there. Let’s get this game over with.

I don’t know…was a big win, but very underwhelming atmosphere and team excitement.

Am I the only one that noticed?

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u/Charleen21 — 5 days ago
▲ 142 r/LASparks+1 crossposts

You’re invited to Cam Brink’s block party! Congrats to @cameronbrink22 on entering the Top 10 in blocks in Sparks history.

u/wosoandstuff2020 — 6 days ago

Injury Update

Atkins (concussion protocol) and Sania (leg) have been ruled out for tomorrow's game. Do you think Kate will be activated again? She was last time but didn't play much, which is kind of a waste of a game. tbh they should activate the dev players mainly when they actually plan on playing them at least double digits. So hopefully, if she's activated, she will play decent minutes. What do you guys think?

reddit.com
u/Inevitable_Ask_8119 — 5 days ago