LOS ANGELES — Kelsey Plum has transitioned from a childhood fan of the Los Angeles Sparks, who used to watch games with her mother during trips from San Diego, to a player on the very team she idolized. This exciting opportunity marks a significant reunion for Plum, as she joins forces once again with her former Las Vegas Aces colleague, Dearica Hamby.
“I feel like I’m still that kid and it’s a full-circle moment for me,” Plum shared during her introduction at Crypto.com Arena. “I’m incredibly thankful.” The announcement of Plum’s signing was made shortly after the Sparks revealed they had also secured center Mercedes Russell, another player with two WNBA championship titles.
Plum’s arrival in Los Angeles was facilitated through a three-way trade executed last month, which involved sending star player Jewell Loyd to the Aces. As part of the deal, the Sparks traded the No. 2 overall pick in the draft to the Seattle Storm along with Li Yueru, while acquiring the No. 9 pick in return. The Aces, in turn, picked up the 13th selection.
Sparks general manager Raegan Pebley emphasized the need to enhance the backcourt as a key objective in the offseason, stating, “We recognized that all signs were pointing towards Kelsey.” Plum echoed those sentiments, mentioning an intriguing coincidence that made her feel destined to return to Los Angeles. “My boyfriend gifted me candles from different cities for Christmas, and I placed them throughout the house. One day, I noticed the LA candle right next to my bed, and I thought, ‘This is no coincidence.’ It’s interesting because it had been on my mind for a while,” she recalled.
Although the Sparks experienced success in the past, winning championships in 2001, 2002, and 2016, they have faced challenges recently, missing the playoffs for four consecutive seasons. In an effort to bring back the glory days, the team made the strategic decision to hire Lynne Roberts as head coach from the University of Utah.
Roberts, who has memories of competing against Plum during her collegiate career at Washington, expressed her own encounter with Plum’s impressive skills. “I remembered hearing that Plum needed 53 points to set a record, and I thought there’s no way she’s getting that against us. She ended up scoring 57,” Roberts said, recalling the game that took place on February 25, 2017, when Plum set the Pac-12 single-game scoring record and became the NCAA Division I women’s career scoring leader, a record later overtaken by Iowa’s Caitlin Clark.
Roberts recognized the Sparks’ need for a strong lead guard, stating, “We needed someone who can play and score. She’s a fierce competitor, and we require that kind of spirit as we aim to reclaim our former stature in the league.”
Hamby was excitedly present to welcome Plum back, having shared in back-to-back WNBA championship victories with the Aces in 2022 and 2023. “We have an incredible connection, and being on the court together brings a unique tempo that I’m thrilled to return to,” Plum remarked.
In her previously outstanding season, Plum not only earned All-WNBA first team accolades for the first time but also took home the MVP title at the All-Star Game. She has also achieved gold medals in 3×3 basketball at the Tokyo Olympics, along with a 5×5 gold in Paris the following year.
“She doesn’t chase flashiness; what she embodies is hard work and holding herself accountable, inspiring others to do the same,” Pebley remarked about Plum. “We understood the importance of bringing her in, not just for our backcourt but also as a guiding presence in our locker room and community.”
