WNBA: What to watch for in the LA Sparks’ final eight games

The Los Angeles Sparks’ 2024 season likely will end once they finish their 40 regular-season games. With just seven wins on the year, it would take a borderline miracle to make the playoffs.

Still, just because LA is losing doesn’t mean all is lost; there still is much to be gained, even if wins aren’t part of this final stretch of the season. Here are three things to look for as the Sparks finish their 28th season of WNBA action.

Rookie phenom Rickea Jackson

In August, Rickea Jackson was sensational, averaging 16.6 points along with 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists. If she can maintain this kind of production, she not only will be the best player in Los Angeles the rest of the way, but she will likely be a lock to make the All-Rookie team. Not much has gone right for the Sparks in 2024, but the development of Jackson is certainly one of them.

Is Li Yueru the next great LA big?

Li Yueru has been the Sparks’ backup big for most of the second half of the year. She’s coming off a good game against the Atlanta Dream, where she scored 14 points. But she also has had off games, like her four-point performance against the Liberty.

If Yueru can finish this season strong and prove to be a quality big the team can rely on, the organization can look to bring her back in 2025 as part of this team’s core. If not, they need to move on from her after this year. The only way to find out and make the best decision possible is to play her enough to get a sense of which direction they need to take.

Are the guards in LA for the long term?

The Sparks need to decide what to do with Aari McDonald and Zia Cooke. Los Angeles has struggled with guard play for years now, and they have to determine if McDonald and Cooke fit this franchise’s future.

McDonald was finding good form, but suffered a leg injury that forced her to miss seven-straight games. She is back now, and if she can run the offense and score well, perhaps the team can retain her for next year.

Cooke has never found a place in the rotation, but with little left to play for as far as wins are concerned, I’m optimistic she can get some decent run. We can finally see if she has anything she can give this team. If so, they can focus on her development in 2025; if not, it might be time to move on from the Gamecock alumnus, but she should get a chance to get on the floor and give it a go.