WNBA: Could LA form a Kelsey Plum-Hailey Van Lith backcourt with draft?

During the 2025 WNBA offseason, the Los Angeles Sparks significantly changed their roster by making a blockbuster trade, bringing in Kelsey Plum and sending out their No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft to acquire the Las Vegas Aces superstar guard.

Giving up their top pick essentially meant they were picking Plum over a young prospect, but they still have selections to make in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Los Angeles has the No. 9 pick overall, which they received from the Seattle Storm as part of the Plum deal, as well as second- and third-round selection to make.

Here’s a look at the players LA could target to round out their roster under new head coach Lynne Roberts.

The TCU Sparks?

While Plum gives the Sparks an elite guard, the backcourt still needs help. With that in mind, why not go with someone who has improved each season and has proven to be coachable and adaptable?

Haliey Van Lith, welcome to Los Angeles.

In her final season at TCU, Van Lith averaged 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. She could come in and automatically be a top bench contributor in Los Angeles. Her draft stock improved thanks to her season with the Horned Frogs, but there’s a strong chance she will still be available at No. 9, and if she’s there, the Sparks should pick her up.

However, as the Sparks have a new star guard in Plum, perhaps Roberts wants more depth in the frontcourt with their top pick. If they take that route, they can stay in Fort Worth and select Sedona Prince. The center averaged 17.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game in her final college season and could be a quality backup behind Cameron Brink.

Both Horned Frogs have proven they have unlocked upsides and either would be a solid selection near the end of the first round.

Taking a flyer

With the No. 21 overall and No. 28 pick, it’s unlikely these selections make the roster, but you take a shot and see if you find a diamond in the rough.

Lucy Olsen could be a good pick late. The Iowa guard led the Hawkeyes in scoring with 17.9 points per game. Liatu King could be a nice option at No. 21. The Notre Dame forward was a walking double-double and comes from a winning program. The Sparks could bring her in and see if she meshes well under Roberts’ system.

Because Los Angeles dealt away their top pick, Monday night will not be the big draft night it could’ve been. But there are still picks to make, and every year, someone surprises us. If LA does a good job with their three picks, they can find players that will contribute to winning now and in the future.