TORRANCE — Lynne Roberts almost went completely old-school on her team.
After the Sparks gave up a league-record average of 118 points in two road blowout losses without star guard Kelsey Plum last week, the second-year head coach considered holding an all-out defensive bootcamp for her squad, which is a blend of mostly veterans and a few rookies.
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She said she came to her senses and realized going to that extreme was probably not a good idea.
However, Roberts, who said she spent the first 45 minutes of practice this week going over the elementary principles of defense, said the team’s bye week could not have come at a better time.
The full week of practices at the team’s training facility in Torrance is a prime opportunity for the 8-10 team to reset and figure out how to win games with Plum (23.9 points per game) sidelined with a leg injury for at least the next three weeks.
Meanwhile, forward Cameron Brink, the team’s best rim protector, is also out without a clear timetable to return with an ankle injury.
“Defensively, we’ve got to be better,” Roberts said. “That’s obvious. We’re putting so much pressure on our offense to score, to shoot great because we’re taking the ball out of the net every time, so we’ve got to be able to be good at the principles, but we’ve also got to be a little more complex defensively.”
Roberts said the Sparks are likely to mix in a zone defense and different pick-and-roll coverages going forward for a more layered approach.
“We will figure it out,” Roberts continued. “The last thing we’re going to do is mope around or ask people to feel sorry for us. We have to figure it out and we will.”
Los Angeles Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts explains what she’s doing to improve the team defense by focusing on defensive principles and possibly mixing in a zone defense going forward. pic.twitter.com/JgumrUXAZY
— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) July 1, 2026
The Sparks are 1-5 without Plum in the lineup.
“Our offense is built to create advantages,” Sparks forward Dearica Hamby said, who is averaging 14.2 points and 7.9 rebounds. “Obviously, KP is very good at that. Probably the best in the W at that, so we have other guards that are good at other things, mid-range and shooting 3s. I’m not saying tweak the offense, but we definitely have to cater to our players’ strengths.”
The Sparks will also look to adjust their pace-and-space read-and-react offense by running more sets through forward Nneka Ogwumike, who is averaging 16.2 points and 8.5 rebounds.
Hamby said practice can build confidence as the team digs deep to figure out its defensive identity.
“I think we have to find something we’re good at and stick to it,” Hamby said. “We talk about other teams having identities defensively, whether that’s taking away the 3-point line, taking away the paint. I feel like we just have wanted to play defense and it hasn’t worked this far, so we just have to figure out our niche.”
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However, the three-time All-Star is shooting only 26.1% from beyond the arc. She said her outside shot feels inconsistent this season.
“I’m not getting a ton up a lot during the games,” said Hamby, who is a self-proclaimed pick-and-roll player. “I’ve been more focused on myself getting to the rim and running in transition, so I take them when I can but definitely not consistent.”
Los Angeles Sparks All-Star forward Dearica Hamby shared her opinion on what the team needs to do to find a defensive identity and win games while Kelsey Plum is sidelined with a left injury. pic.twitter.com/hVHAUID8X1
— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) July 1, 2026
Limited playing time
“I feel good,” said Sparks guard Ta’Niya Latson, who has played in 10 of the team’s 18 games. “I have a positive attitude. Right now, I’m just trying to learn and develop as much as possible into that point guard or lead guard position and just seeing what my vets are doing and trying to make an impact when I get out there on the floor.”
Latson, the team’s first second-round selection (20th overall) out of South Carolina in April’s draft, is averaging 1.8 points in five minutes of playing time.
She said she’s still learning and working on how to run the team as a point guard, even though, at 5-foot-8, her natural position is shooting guard.
“I feel like that’s my biggest thing,” Latson said, “knowing where all the positions are, knowing all the plays. Everything comes really fast, but I feel like I’ve been adjusting better in practice. I’ve been showing and getting good reps. Just keep stacking days, and it will all come together.”
Latson she’s always working with the team’s mental performance coach to keep her mind steady.
“Continue to be confident while also getting extra work, even after practice,” Latson said. “I did some ball-handling. Trying to perfect my craft even when I don’t have as many opportunities so when I do get that opportunity, I’ll be ready.”
The Sparks are one game back of the league’s eighth and final playoff spot. The franchise, which has not made the playoffs since 2020, will begin a three-game homestand when they return to action against the Seattle Storm on Monday. They will also play the Indiana Fever on Wednesday and the Chicago Sky on July 10.
Los Angeles Sparks rookie guard Ta’Niya Latson on staying mentally ready while receiving limited playing in the WNBA.
Latson said she’s still learning how to play point guard/lead guard role as she transitions from her natural position of shooting guard. pic.twitter.com/qNSEUJhekk
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— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) July 1, 2026