The Los Angeles Sparks have signed guard Grace Berger to a hardship contract for the remainder of the season, addressing growing backcourt shortages caused by injuries and personal absences. The move adds familiar WNBA experience and depth at a time when the Sparks are struggling to field a full-strength lineup.
Kelsey Plum Lands on the Sidelines
Star guard Kelsey Plum, who leads the team with 20.9 points and 5.6 assists per game, is missing Tuesday’s matchup against the Seattle Storm due to a lower leg injury. Head coach Lynne Roberts said that Plum underwent imaging Sunday, but there’s still no definitive timeline for her return. With such ambiguity, her availability for upcoming games remains uncertain.
Plum’s presence has been critical—leading the Sparks in scoring, assists, and average minutes (36 mpg). Her absence, especially in a season where the Sparks are 4–9, creates a significant void.
Odyssey Sims Also Absent
Adding to the turmoil, starting guard Odyssey Sims is also out for personal reasons. Sims, averaging 10.5 points per game, further highlights the urgency behind Berger’s signing.
Who Is Grace Berger?
Grace Berger, 26, was the seventh overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever, spending two seasons there and averaging 3.9 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 rebounds over 47 games. After being released by Indiana in February 2025, she briefly joined the Minnesota Lynx training camp but didn’t stick.
Her overseas stint in Turkey with Ormanspor in the 2024 off-season saw significant strides—averaging 13.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, showcasing her ability to contribute as a primary ball handler. Her experience overseas and WNBA familiarity offer immediate benefits to LA’s depleted backcourt.
Team Response: Down but Not Out
The Sparks entered Tuesday’s game without five players—Plum, Sims, Rae Burrell (knee), Cameron Brink (ACL tear), and Julie Allemand (with Belgium at EuroBasket). With just two experienced point guards left, Berger’s addition—and another guard, Shey Peddy, added earlier—aims to bolster the rotation.
Yet the outcome was still rough: the Sparks fell 98–67 to the Seattle Storm, shooting just 32% from the field, despite solid efforts from Azurá Stevens (16 points, 10 rebounds) and Rickea Jackson (17 points). Their support shows flashes of resilience, but without lineup consistency, standout roles are difficult to replicate.
What’s at Stake
A 4–9 record has Las Vegas fans longing for a breakthrough, but disappearing key players magnify the challenge. Berger’s impact, like that of Peddy, will be measured this weekend versus Minnesota. With Plum unable to contribute, the spotlight shifts to the bench and role players to sustain competitiveness .
Head coach Roberts emphasized flexibility: “We’re not even close to full strength,” underlining the reality of shifting gas lines and strategies to cope with injuries.
Looking Forward: Return Timelines & Fit Testing
The key focus will be on Kelsey Plum’s recovery—her self-awareness and rehab diligence were noted by Roberts, but no firm return date exists .
Meanwhile, Rae Burrell and Cameron Brink face longer recovery timelines, and Julie Allemand may remain overseas through EuroBasket. The team’s strategy revolves around developing Berger and Peddy in Plum’s stead—a depth challenge that could define the season’s arc.
Final Assessment: A Team in Flux
The mid-June roster shuffle signals a pivotal chapter for the Sparks. Berger brings potential stability; Plum’s uncertainty casts a shadow; and the absence of other key contributors necessitates a resilient short-term strategy.
Success hinges on how effectively Berger integrates, how quickly injured starters return, and whether LA’s supporting stars can step up.
As the Sparks push past their four-year playoff drought, this snapshot—marked by injury recovery, bench reinforcements, and roster experimentation—could shape their season package.
